Archive · 27 Jan 2026
Padma Shri for Kokborok Scholar Naresh Chandra Debbarma
Naresh Chandra Debbarma is an 80-year-old expert in the Kokborok language, which is spoken by tribal people in the state of Tripura, India.
He has spent over 50 years studying and writing about Kokborok, even before it became an official language in 1979.
He has written 34 books and many articles to help preserve and grow the language.
This year, he received a special award called the Padma Shri for his hard work.
Debbarma believes that more research and books are needed to keep the Kokborok language strong.
He also thinks that the script used to write Kokborok is less important than creating good educational materials.
He has been writing in the Bengali script, but some people prefer the Roman script.
Despite the debate, Debbarma focuses on making sure Kokborok has enough quality books and research to thrive.
Naresh Chandra Debbarma, an octogenarian Kokborok scholar, has been awarded the Padma Shri for his contributions to education and Kokborok literature.
Debbarma has spent over five decades documenting the Kokborok language, which became an official language of Tripura in 1979.
He has written 34 books and numerous articles in Kokborok, Bengali, and English, focusing on nonfiction and research.
Debbarma argues for more research and publications in Kokborok to ensure its survival and growth, emphasizing the need for quality over quantity.
The debate over the script for Kokborok continues, with some preferring the Roman script and others, like Debbarma, using the Bengali script.
- Who
- Naresh Chandra Debbarma, an octogenarian Kokborok scholar, author, and grammarian
- What
- Awarded the Padma Shri for his contributions to education and Kokborok literature
- When
- Recognized for his work spanning over five decades, with the award given this year
- Where
- Tripura, India
- Why
- For his extensive documentation and promotion of the Kokborok language, including writing 34 books and numerous articles
- Name
- Naresh Chandra Debbarma
- Age
- Octogenarian
- Award
- Padma Shri
- Field of Contribution
- Education and Kokborok literature
- Books Written
- 34
- Official Language Recognition
- 1979
- Retirement Year
- 2002
- First Book
- Jorani Makhang (The Face of Time)