AGARTALA, Jan 18 (TIWN): Keeping eye on the celebration of the 38th Foundation Day of Kokborok language, seminar, poet conference and quiz has been organized on Monday at Dasharath Deb Stadium.

The programme has been inaugurated by ADC Chairman Ranjit Debbarma in the presence of MLA Niranjan Debbarma and others.

Kokborok has a long history of unique oral literature. The book in in Kokborok gt published in the year 1897/ 98 authorized by Doulat Ahamad a book of Kokborok grammar, namely ‘Kokborma ong Tripura- Byakaran’. Then another book has been released on Kokborok grammar that is ‘Kok-Borok-ma (Troipu Byaakaran)’ written by Thakur Radhamohan Dev Barma was published in 1900AD.

Kokborok Day is observed in Tripura for the development of Kokborok language and practice among the people.

Every year the day is observed on January 19. Kokborok language is an official language in Tripura, with first status in the autonomous district council of the state. This day is chosen to commemorate its recognition as an official language in 1979. The activities include cultural programmes and literary activities.

The Kokborok is a language of Borok people who are geographically known as Tripuris. It is one of the State Languages of Tripura notified on January 19, 1979. The TTAADC has declared the Kokborok as official language of the TTAADC on April 20, 1999.

However, this language is the second official language of Tripura after Bengali, but is granted first status by the tribal areas autonomous district council, which has limited governing jurisdiction over three fourth of the State’s geographical area.