Agartala,January 25: Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha on Saturday congratulated noted Kokborok scholar and educationist Naresh Chandra Dev Varma on being conferred the prestigious Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honours, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Kokborok literature, indigenous language education and academic development.
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| Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha with Naresh Chandra Dev Varma.(Image: x.com/DrManikSaha2) |
In a message shared on social media, the Chief Minister described the honour as a proud moment for Tripura and a fitting recognition of Dev Varma’s lifelong dedication to the preservation, promotion and advancement of the Kokborok language. He said the scholar’s contributions have played a significant role in strengthening the cultural and linguistic identity of the indigenous people of Tripura.
“Tripura is immensely proud of Naresh Chandra Dev Varma’s achievements. His tireless efforts towards the development of Kokborok language and education have enriched our cultural heritage and inspired generations of students and scholars,” Dr. Saha said.
The Chief Minister noted that the Padma Shri recognition highlights the importance of preserving indigenous languages and promoting linguistic diversity, which forms an integral part of India’s rich cultural mosaic. He added that Dev Varma’s work serves as an example of how dedicated individuals can contribute to the preservation of traditional knowledge and cultural heritage through education and scholarship.
Naresh Chandra Dev Varma is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the field of Kokborok literature and language studies. Over the decades, he has made significant contributions through teaching, research, writing and mentorship. His scholarly work has helped expand the scope of Kokborok studies and has contributed to the development of educational resources for students and researchers.
Through his writings and academic efforts, Dev Varma has played a pivotal role in promoting the use of Kokborok in educational institutions and public discourse. His commitment to language preservation has also encouraged younger generations to take pride in their linguistic and cultural heritage.
The recognition comes shortly after the Government of Tripura honoured him with the Tripura Bhushan Award in 2024, the state's highest civilian award. The award acknowledged his extraordinary contribution to education, literature and cultural preservation. The conferment of the Padma Shri further elevates his achievements to the national stage and underscores the significance of his lifelong work.
Members of the academic community, literary circles and cultural organizations across Tripura welcomed the announcement, describing it as a well-deserved honour for a scholar who has devoted his life to the advancement of indigenous language and education. Many noted that the recognition would inspire students, researchers and language activists to continue working towards the preservation and promotion of indigenous languages.
The Padma Shri, awarded by the Government of India, recognizes distinguished service in various fields, including literature, education, science, arts, social work and public affairs. Dev Varma’s inclusion among this year’s recipients has been celebrated as a milestone for Kokborok literature and a source of pride for the people of Tripura.
The honour is also being viewed as a recognition of the broader efforts undertaken over the years to preserve and promote Kokborok, one of the major indigenous languages of Tripura. Supporters of indigenous language movements said the award sends a positive message about the importance of safeguarding linguistic diversity and nurturing local knowledge systems.
As congratulations poured in from across the state, many described the Padma Shri conferred on Naresh Chandra Dev Varma as not only a personal achievement but also a recognition of Tripura’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring value of indigenous languages in shaping the identity of communities and future generations.
