In a significant step towards preserving and promoting indigenous languages, the Tripura Government has decided to include the Chakma language on the Google Translate platform. As part of the initiative, work has begun to create a comprehensive database of 50,000 Chakma words.

The announcement was made by Tripura's Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma while inaugurating the First State-Level Chakma Language and Script Day-2026 at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan in Agartala on Friday. The event was also attended by Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Santana Chakma reaffirmed the state government's commitment to the preservation and development of the Chakma language, alongside the languages of all minority communities in Tripura. She highlighted that the Chakma script has a rich legacy in the state, with numerous books and magazines already published in the language.

Emphasizing the importance of nurturing the language from an early age, the Minister proposed introducing Chakma script education at Anganwadi centres. She also administered a pledge, urging people to actively participate in safeguarding and promoting the Chakma language and its literary heritage.

Speaking on the occasion, Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury said that a community's identity is deeply rooted in its history, culture, and mother tongue. He noted that Tripura is home to 19 indigenous communities, each possessing its own distinct language and cultural traditions, with Chakma being one of the state's major indigenous languages.

He further stated that the Constitution of India guarantees every community the right to preserve and promote its language, culture, and educational heritage. Reiterating the government's commitment to inclusive development, he said sustained efforts are being made to strengthen indigenous languages across the state.

Highlighting the progress in Chakma language education, the Minister informed that Chakma script is currently taught from Classes I to VIII in 123 government schools during the ongoing academic session. More than 4,000 students are studying the language under the guidance of over 172 Chakma-speaking teachers. Free textbooks have been supplied through the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), while the government has also initiated steps to extend Chakma language education to the secondary and higher secondary levels.

The move to integrate Chakma into Google Translate is expected to enhance the language's digital presence, improve accessibility for speakers worldwide, and contribute significantly to its long-term preservation and global recognition.