President urges Bodo Sahitya Sabha to promote young writers

Photo: twitter/President of India

Guwahati, May 4:  The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind today lauded the untiring efforts of Bodo Sahitya Sabha (BSS) in promoting Bodo language, literature and culture. He called upon the literary body to encourage young writers especially women litterateurs in Bodo language.

 
Addressing the 61st annual conference of Bodo Sahitya Sabha at Tamulpur in the state today, President Kovind appreciated the BSS endeavour to encourage translation of literary works of other languages to Bodo language and said that such translation literature keeps a language vibrant besides providing the locale populace to the taste of ems in other languages.

The President noted that the month of May is very important for the Bodo people as they remember Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma on May 1 which is his death anniversary. He said that Bodofa had spread the message of "live and let live". His message of maintaining harmony with all communities while being conscious of Bodo self-pride will be forever relevant. 

He said that the Founder-President of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha, Joy Bhadra Hagzer and General Secretary Sonaram Thosen had made commendable efforts for recognition of Bodo language. This Sabha has also played important role in use of Bodo language as the medium of school education and place in the higher education. 

President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, arrives at the temporary helipad at Khanapara in the city on Wednesday. He is scheduled inaugurate the North East Festival  at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra in the evening. Photo: Reba Kumar Borah

The President noted that so far 17 writers have been awarded Sahitya Akademi Awards for their works in Bodo language. And out of that 10 have been awarded for poetry work. This shows the natural inclination towards poetry among Bodo writers. He was happy to note that many women are writing in different genres of Bodo literature. But it has also been observed that only two women are among senior writers who have received the Sahitya Akademi Award for original works, he said. 

He urged 'Bodo Sahitya Sabha' to encourage women writers. He said that to keep any literature alive and relevant, the participation of the younger generation is very important. 

The President said that the conservation and promotion of local languages is the responsibility of the society and the government. He appealed the Government of Assam to make efforts to promote Bodo language.