35th State-Level Manipuri Language Day Celebrated in Agartala.

Agartala, Tripura, 21st of August, 2026 : The government can recognise and protect a language, but it is ultimately the people who speak, write and pass it on to the next generation, keep a language alive. Today Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy stated this after inaugurating a programme at the Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee Town Hall organized to mark the 35th State-level Manipuri Language Day on Thursday (20th August, 2026). The programme was organised by the Directorate of Kokborok and Other Minority Languages, Government of Tripura. Khuraijam Loken Singh, Minister of Art and Culture, Government of. Manipur, attended as the Guest of Honour. Paonam Gunındro, Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University of Culture, also attended the programme.

Addressing the gathering, Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy said Manipuri Language Day is much more than a celebration of a language. He remembered the sacrifices and tireless efforts of Manipuri speakers, writers, activists and others whose struggle helped the language gain constitutional recognition. He also spoke about the reach of the Manipuri language and the importance of the Meitei script. Minister highlighted the contribution of Manipuri writers and the wider Manipuri community in Tripura’s art, culture and social life.

Anandahari Jamatia, Director of the Department of Kokborok and Other Minority Languages, presided over the programme. Vice-Chairman of the Manipuri Language Development Advisory Committee, Th. Nilkumar, delivered the welcome address. Ahead of the inaugural session, a colourful procession featuring Manipuri communities from different parts of Tripura moved through the streets of Agartala. Participants wore traditional attire and displayed the rich cultural heritage of the Manipuri community. The rally was inaugurated by Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh

Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh also underlined the historical importance of August 20. Recalling his own experience, he said that he had participated in rallies as a student in 1992 demanding the inclusion of Manipuri in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. He praised the Tripura government’s efforts to observe Manipuri Language Day and give importance to the language and its cultural heritage. Paonam Gunindro said the movement for constitutional recognition of Manipuri was not limited to the people of Manipur. Manipuri communities in Assam and Tripura also made important contributions to the struggle, he said, adding that their sacrifices should be remembered.

On August 20, 1992, Manipuri was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution through the 71st Constitutional Amendment. The historic development is commemorated every year as Manipuri Language Day in Manipur and in other regions of India where Manipuri-speaking communities live. As part of this year’s celebration, four eminent personalities were honoured for their contributions to Manipuri language and culture. The awardees were Salam Brajendra Singh for Nata Sankirtana, Selaibam Jiban Sen for Manipuri folk music, Shamulailatpam Ongbi Suradhani Sharma for Manipuri writing, and Gurumayum Nitai Sharma for his contribution as a Manipuri language teacher. Following the inaugural programme, a cultural programme showcasing Manipuri traditions and artistic performances was organised.