Guwahati: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, while attending the inaugural function of twelfth general session of Mathonlai Tokhra (Tiwa Sahitya Sabha) at Nagaon on Tuesday, commented that the nation get empowered only when the language and literature of smaller communities remain rich and hence the identity of tribal languages should be recognized.
“Every language has its own identity of the people who speak that language. Tiwa is one of the major languages of Assam and is spoken by a large population,” said Sarma, adding that Lakshminath Bezbaruah asserted literature is the pride of a nation and if the national life becomes narrow, the national literature follows it.
He urged the Tiwa people not to deviate from their traditions and customs. If the people belonging to Tiwa follow this they will glitter in the entire demography, added Sarma. He also emphasised on practicing the Tiwa language simultaneously with literature. At the same time, Sarma stressed on translating the literature of the Tiwa language into Assamese and other languages.
Emphasizing on creating a bond of cooperation, Sarma stated that in the 21st century, Tiwa language & literature should also move forward with a resolute search for changes. He opined that the literature is created from nature, human happiness, feelings, beliefs, traditions, etc.
The government has taken all necessary steps for the development of Tiwa as well as other ethnic languages through the department of tribal culture and faith. According to the new national education policy (NEP), the government initiates necessary steps to provide primary education in their mother tongue to each and every community like Tiwa, Bodo, Mising, Karbi, Dimasa etc.
“Efforts have also been made to give rights to land for the tribal people through adoption of Tribal Land Allocation Policy as a complement to the land policy of the State government. All necessary steps would be taken for the socio-economic development of the community besides strengthening the Tiwa Autonomous Council,” stated Sarma.
In presence of legislators Ramakanta Deuri and Sashikanta Das, Tiwa Autonomous Council chief Jiban Chandra Konwar with other dignitaries, Sarma also committed for steps to be taken to accord national hero status to legendary Tiwa king and warrior Jongal Balahu and assured rupees 50 crore for transforming the Jongal Balahu rampart at Roha into a tourist destination.
