New Delhi, Jan 19 (NationPress) The Congress party on Monday sent heartfelt greetings to the citizens of Tripura on the significant occasion of Kokborok Day, expressing hope that this day fosters unity and celebrates the pride of India's rich cultures and heritage.

Kokborok Day, also referred to as Tripuri Language Day, is commemorated annually on January 19 in the Indian state of Tripura, aimed at uplifting and safeguarding the Kokborok language. This observance marks the historic year 1979, when the Tripura government first officially acknowledged Kokborok. This year signifies the 46th anniversary of this celebration, which endeavors to revive and fortify the ancient language that has been spoken by the indigenous Tripuri community for centuries.

Using the platform X, Congress conveyed, "We extend our best wishes to our sisters and brothers in Tripura on Kokborok Day. This day commemorates the initial recognition of Kokborok as an official language in 1979. May this occasion inspire unity and pride in our diverse cultures and rich heritage."

Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge also utilized his social media to convey his warm wishes to the people of Tripura on this important day, celebrating the state’s vibrant linguistic and cultural legacy.

“Warm greetings to the people of Tripura on the occasion of Kokborok Day. This special day honors Kokborok — a culturally rich indigenous language that has thrived for millennia, showcasing the beauty of India’s diversity and shared values," Kharge posted on X.

Kokborok, also known as Tripuri or Tiprakok, serves as the native language of Tripura, utilized by local Tripuri citizens for generations. It is regarded as one of the classical languages of Northeast India. The speakers are referred to as 'Borok,' while the language is called 'Kok.' Previously, it was commonly termed Tiprakok or Tripurikok.

Kokborok belongs to the Tibeto-Burman language family and is one of the primary native languages spoken in Tripura and the adjacent Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh. In recent years, Kokborok has developed into one of the fastest-growing Tibeto-Burman languages in the region.

The language is mainly spoken by various Tripuri clans, including Debbarma, Kalai, Reang, Jamatia, Tripura, Noatia, Rupini, Murasing, and Uchoi. Collectively, those who speak Kokborok identify as “Tripuris.”