Tripura: Chakma Language Set for Digital Leap with Google Integration

Tripura’s Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ratan Lal Nath has announced a groundbreaking initiative to incorporate the Chakma script into Google’s translation platform.

The announcement came during a meeting of the advisory committee focused on promoting minority languages in the state. Nath revealed that seven sub-committees have been formed to drive these efforts, with a key objective of compiling and digitizing around 50,000 Chakma words, with plans to expand this database further.

Additionally, a National Seminar to discuss language development strategies was proposed.

According to the 2011 census, Tripura has a Chakma population of 79,000, though recent non-governmental estimates suggest this number has risen to 125,000.

The Directorate of Kokborok and Other Minority Languages is leading these initiatives, working to support the linguistic growth of eight minority communities, including Chakma, Manipuri, and Kokborok.

As part of these efforts, the Chakma language is now being taught in 123 schools across Tripura, from Class 1 to 8, marking a significant milestone in preserving the cultural heritage of the Chakma community.