Tripura’s Minister for Power and Agriculture, Ratan Lal Nath, announced that August 7 will be observed every year as ‘Chakma Language Day’. The declaration was made while he was attending a meeting of the Chakma Language Development Advisory Committee as the chief guest and patron.
During his address, Nath highlighted that the state government has initiated multiple steps to promote and preserve the Chakma language and script, recognizing its importance in Tripura’s cultural diversity. He revealed that the government is working to include Chakma language in the Google Translation platform, a move that is expected to boost global accessibility and recognition of the language.
Government Initiatives for Chakma Language
The minister informed that the government has already convened a national seminar on Chakma language and officially notified August 7 as the annual Chakma Language and Script Day. To ensure systematic development, seven sub-committees have been formed under the advisory body to work specifically on different aspects of language preservation.
Nath further disclosed that more than 50,000 Chakma words have already been compiled to support Google translation integration, and more contributions will follow. “In the 2011 census, the Chakma population in Tripura was recorded at 79,000, but now it stands at nearly 1.25 lakh. To support this linguistic heritage, a Language Cell has been set up within the Minority Language Wing of the Education Department for the development of eight languages including Chakma, Manipuri, and Kokborok,” he added.
Education and Cultural Recognition
Currently, 123 schools in Tripura are teaching the Chakma language from Class I to VIII, reflecting the government’s efforts to integrate indigenous languages into mainstream education. Nath also drew parallels with Kokborok, noting that while January 19 is celebrated annually as Kokborok Day, August 7 will henceforth hold the same importance for the Chakma community.
Support from Tribal Leadership
BJP MLA Shambhu Lal Chakma, who chaired the meeting as the committee’s chairman, endorsed the announcement. He described it as a “crucial and far-reaching decision” for the cultural and linguistic development of the Chakma people.
By institutionalizing Chakma Language Day, the state government aims to strengthen cultural identity and promote inclusivity among tribal communities, while also giving national visibility to the Chakma script and heritage.