President Ram Nath Kovind addressed the Bodo Sahitya Sabha's 61st annual conference at Tamulpur, Assam

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• May 4, 2022 | Poonam Nath

President Ram Nath Kovind urged the 'Bodo Sahitya Sabha' to support more female and young writers.

Digital Desk: Today, India's President, Ram Nath Kovind, attended and addressed the 61st annual conference of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha (BSS), a regional language literary meet, in Tamulpur, Assam. President Kovind is the first Indian President to attend the event so far in Assam.

While the three-day BSS conference began on Monday, May 2, the President attended the event on Tuesday, May 4. (Wednesday). At the BSS mega event, the President was accompanied by Assam Governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and other dignitaries.

President Kovind showed his gratitude to the Bodo Sahitya Sabha for their invaluable contribution to the Bodo language, culture, and literature over the past 70 years. 

According to a press release issued by the President's office, the President said that the Founder-President of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha, Joy Bhadra Hagzer, and General Secretary Sonaram had made commendable efforts to promote the Bodo language.' This Sabha has also played an important role in using Bodo as a medium of school education and a place in higher education.'

The President also stated that 17 writers had received the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Awards for their works in the Bodo language so far. And out of those 17 writers, ten have received the award for their poetry work. It demonstrates the natural inclination of Bodo writers toward poetry.

However, he also noted that, even though many women are writing in the Bodo language, only two senior women writers have received Sahitya Akademi Awards for their works. As a result, President Kovind urged the 'Bodo Sahitya Sabha' to encourage more women and young writers.

The President also stated that it is the responsibility of the government and society to preserve and promote local languages. As a result, he demanded the Assam government promote the Bodo language.

The BSS was founded in 1952, inspired by the Assam Sahitya Sabha, to promote literature, culture, and language. It is taking the lead in maintaining coordination among various ethnic groups. 

Aside from Assam, the Bodo language is spoken by many people in Bangladesh, Nepal, Tripura, Nagaland, and West Bengal.

Following the signing of the Bodo peace accord in January 2020 between the Centre, the Assam government, and four Bodo militant outfits, In 2020, the Assam government recognised the Bodo language as an associate official language of the state.

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