Student bodies across the state have launched a strong protest against the state government’s decision to print the Kok Borok language board exam papers in Bengali script. The issue has sparked a widespread debate on the preservation of the indigenous language and its cultural significance in the state, with students from various communities voicing their discontent over what they perceive as an imposition of Bengali script on their native language.
The Kok Borok Language Issue
Kok Borok is the native language of the indigenous Tripuri people and holds immense cultural significance in Tripura. It is primarily spoken by the Tripuri and other indigenous communities in the state and has its own script, which is an essential part of the region’s cultural heritage. For years, the language has been taught in schools in the traditional Kok Borok script, but the recent decision to print the board exam papers in Bengali script has sparked a major controversy.
The change has been seen by many as an attempt to undermine the importance of the Kok Borok language and its script. Bengali script, although widely used for other languages in the state, including Bengali, is not the traditional script for Kok Borok. The student bodies argue that using Bengali script for Kok Borok is a direct violation of the language’s identity and would create unnecessary confusion among students who are more familiar with the original script.
The Protests Erupt
The protests began when the Tripura Board of Secondary Education (TBSE) released the Kok Borok language board exam papers printed in Bengali script for the current academic year. This move was met with immediate opposition from student organizations and youth groups, who have been actively campaigning for the preservation of the Kok Borok language in its original form.
The All Tripura Tribal Youth Federation (ATTYF), one of the key student bodies involved in the protests, organized marches and demonstrations in various parts of the state. They demanded that the government immediately withdraw the decision to print the exam papers in Bengali script and revert to using the original Kok Borok script. The protests quickly gained momentum, with more student groups joining in, including the Kok Borok Language Movement, which has long advocated for the protection and promotion of the language.
“We cannot accept this imposition on our language,” said a spokesperson for the ATTYF. “Kok Borok is the heart of our culture, and we want it to be recognized and respected in its original form. Using Bengali script for Kok Borok undermines our heritage and confuses students who have been taught in the original script.”
The Role of the State Government
The Tripura government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has defended its decision, stating that the use of Bengali script was necessary for the smooth conduct of exams. Officials from the education department argued that Bengali script was easier for the majority of students to understand, as Bengali is widely spoken and understood in Tripura, especially among the non-indigenous population.
However, the justification has failed to convince the protestors. Many students have voiced their concerns that the move is an attempt to gradually phase out the indigenous language in favor of Bengali, which they see as a dominant language in the state. The Kok Borok script, which has been an integral part of the state’s identity, is now feared to be marginalized.
“The state government’s decision is disrespectful to the indigenous people of Tripura,” said one of the protesting students. “By printing Kok Borok exam papers in Bengali script, they are erasing the essence of our culture. It is not just a language issue but a matter of our identity.”
Cultural Significance and Concerns of the Indigenous Communities
The protests also highlight the broader issue of the indigenous communities’ cultural and linguistic rights in Tripura. The indigenous population, which makes up a significant portion of the state’s population, has long struggled for political representation and cultural recognition. The introduction of Bengali script for Kok Borok is seen by many as another instance of the dominance of the Bengali-speaking population in the state, which has led to growing concerns about the preservation of indigenous culture and languages.
The indigenous communities, who have historically faced challenges in asserting their rights, view the government’s decision as part of a wider trend of marginalization. They fear that their cultural identity is at risk of being overshadowed by the influence of the larger Bengali-speaking community.
A Call for Dialogue
While the protests continue, there has been a call for dialogue between the student bodies, the indigenous groups, and the state government. Leaders from various communities have suggested that a resolution can be reached through constructive discussions, where both sides can come to a mutually agreeable decision that respects the rights of the indigenous people while addressing the practical concerns of the education system.
Some have proposed that Kok Borok be taught in both its original script and Bengali script, allowing students to learn both scripts and making it easier for them to communicate in a multilingual environment. This would not only preserve the language but also give students the flexibility to interact with the broader population.
The ongoing protests in Tripura over the Kok Borok exam papers printed in Bengali script have brought to light deeper issues surrounding language, identity, and cultural preservation. The indigenous people of Tripura, led by their student organizations, are determined to ensure that their language and script remain intact for future generations. As the protests continue to unfold, it is clear that the matter is about more than just an exam paper—it is about the protection of the state’s indigenous culture and the rights of its people to preserve their linguistic heritage.
The resolution of this issue will require careful consideration of both the practical aspects of education and the cultural rights of the indigenous communities. Dialogue and mutual respect for each other’s identities and concerns will be key to finding a solution that promotes unity and understanding in the diverse state of Tripura.