Will the Dimasa Language Be Added to Assam's School Curriculum?
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Key Takeaways
Guwahati, Feb 16 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, declared on Monday the forthcoming inclusion of the Dimasa language in school curricula as part of the state's ongoing initiative to conserve and promote indigenous languages.
In a social media announcement on platform X, the Chief Minister emphasized that each language embodies the essence of its people and mirrors their cultural heritage. He noted that the government has made it a priority to foster the usage and promotion of indigenous languages since assuming office.
“By integrating Dimasa into schools, we are making further progress in this effort,” Sarma stated, reaffirming the government's dedication to enhancing Assam’s diverse linguistic legacy.
The Dimasa language will be phased into the educational syllabus, commencing at the secondary level with Class IX in the academic year 2026-27, and will subsequently extend to Class X in 2027-28.
Officials indicated that this initiative aims to provide institutional backing for the Dimasa language, primarily spoken by the Dimasa community in Assam, mainly in the Dima Hasao district and nearby regions.
This decision is anticipated to facilitate the preservation of the language, promote its formal education, and secure its transmission to future generations. The initiative aligns with the state government's broader strategy of advancing linguistic diversity and cultural inclusion within the educational framework.
In recent years, Assam has undertaken initiatives to introduce and bolster various indigenous and tribal languages in schools, recognizing their crucial role in maintaining cultural identity.
Education department officials have stated that preparations are currently in progress, including the formulation of textbooks, curriculum designs, and teacher training, to guarantee a seamless execution of this initiative.
Community representatives and experts are expected to participate in finalizing the academic materials.
The announcement has been positively received by members of the Dimasa community and language advocates who have long sought formal acknowledgment and inclusion of their language in educational systems. They regard this decision as a pivotal move towards cultural empowerment and preservation.
The Chief Minister reiterated that safeguarding linguistic heritage is a vital focus for the state government, asserting that Assam’s diversity is its strength, and each language carries a distinct legacy that must be protected for the future.