50k Chakma words documented for Google Translation: Tripura Minister

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, September 9, 2025

The Tripura government has announced a series of steps to promote the Chakma language, including the celebration of Chakma Script and Language Day every year on August 7.

Power and Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath, who also heads the advisory committee for Chakma language development, said the government is working on multiple initiatives to strengthen and preserve the language.

“Seven sub-committees have been constituted to take forward the work. We are collecting words for the inclusion of Chakma in the Google Translation platform, and so far, around 50,000 words have been documented. A national seminar will also be held to deliberate on the future of the language,” Nath said.

He informed the media persons that Chakma has already been introduced in 123 schools across Tripura, where it is taught from Class 1 to 8. According to the 2011 Census, the Chakma population in Tripura was 79,000, while current non-official estimates put the figure at around 1.25 lakh.

The Minister added that Tripura has eight minority language groups, and the Directorate of Kokborok and Other Minority Languages was established to ensure their growth. Just as Kokborok Day is observed on January 19, Chakma Script and Language Day will now be celebrated on August 7.

The meeting was attended by advisory committee chairman Sambhu Lal Chakma and other members.

more news...