HT Correspondent
HAFLONG, Aug 29: A special programme for ceremonial distribution of Dimasa language text book ‘Buphangsa’ for class 7 and 8 was held at the office of Dimasa Sahitya Sabha ‘Dimasa Lairidim Mel’ office at Haflong on Monday. Headmasters along with the students received the books from the chief guest and other dignitaries present.
Attending the programme as the chief guest, chief executive member Debolal Gorlosa expressed immense satisfaction and thanked the people involved especially the members of Lairidim Mel for the successful completion of the text book for children studying in upper primary level.
Expressing his desire to make a mark for the indigenous Dimasa tribe who are culturally, traditionally and historically rich he said, “For preserving our roots and culture, we should save our language. The unique identity through language should be kept alive and there should be force from all sides such as society, students, academicians, council, organisations and the Government to develop the language.”
Criticising the people who take pride in not knowing their mother tongue, he said that it is only when people speak and use their mother tongue at home; the language will survive and will be preserved. Releasing the Dimasa language text book will help those people who desire to learn this language as a medium in higher studies too. Praising and urging the Dimasa Sahitya Sabha (Dimasa Lairidim Mel) to take steps in preserving the richness of the language of the Dimasas, he said, “Forgetting language is a loss of identity.”
Therefore, all necessary steps should be taken by the organisations working for the cause, he is confident that the State Government under the dynamic leadership of Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and the Assam minister for Indigenous & Tribal Faith Nandita Gorlosa will also extend their support.
Others who spoke on the occasion were chairperson of NCHAC Ranu Langthasa, Education EM Bijit Langthasa, president of Lairidim Mel Ramesh Thaosen. The programme ended with the vote of thanks by Surjo Thaosen from Dimasa Lairidim Mel.