HT Correspondent
TEZPUR, Aug 31: Tezpur University has launched an Android app called ‘Demsi’ for writing Bodo. The app, which is available on the Google Play Store, makes it easy to type Bodo by suggesting possible words when the user types the first few letters of a word. It can be used with existing software such as WhatsApp, Instagram, email, etc.
The app was developed by a team of students and faculty members from the university, including MTech (IT) student Sudem Daimari, Prof S K Sinha of the CSE department, Dr Nayan Basumatary, an alumnus of the CSE department and chairman of the Sub-Divisional Board of Tribal Development, Tezpur, Prof Utpal Sharma of the CSE department, Sujal Kumar, a student of BTech (ECE), and Manash Pratim Lahkar, a PhD student of the CSE department.
Speaking at the launch of the app, Prof Shambhu Nath Singh, vice chancellor of Tezpur University, said that the app would help to popularise the Bodo language. “More than 3 million people in north-east India speak Bodo as their native tongue. It is widely used for conversation, document creation, and communication. However, the Bodo language lags in terms of technology. This app will help people write in their own Bodo scripts,” he said.
Prof Utpal Sharma, one of the developers of the app, explained that the app uses a misspelling checker and word suggestion system to make it easier for users to type Bodo. “These days, documents are commonly created on computers and mobile devices. Due to the lack of Bodo word recommendation and word suggestion, people are forced to rely on the use of software for the Hindi language, which requires an excessive amount of time for the construction of words, and consequently, many people do not prefer to use it. Additionally, people are forced to rely on the use of the Roman (English) alphabet, which has caused people to forget the use of writing in their own Bodo scripts. Therefore, the availability of appropriate technology is a must. This effort of ours focuses on the development and implementation of a misspelling checker and word suggestion system for the Bodo language,” he said.
Dr Nayan Basumatary said that the app is one of the first of its kind for the Bodo language. “It makes composition and writing in Bodo easy. It requires no need to type Bodo words one-by-one. This app can be used in all kinds of social media platforms,” he said.
The app launch ceremony was attended by members of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha, All Bodo Students Union, students from Darrang and Tezpur college.
