Agartala: Renowned Tripura-based writer and tribal intellectual Naresh Chandra Dev Verma, recently selected for the prestigious Padma Shri award, expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the central government for recognising contributions to tribal language and literature.
The 80-year-old author said he is delighted to receive this national honour under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. He emphasised that the award is not just a personal honour but a recognition of the Kokborok language and its literary heritage.
Dev Verma, a lifelong advocate of the Kokborok language, has authored 34 books in this tribal tongue and played a significant role in its academic development and cultural identity. He previously served as an under-secretary in the Tripura Assembly Secretariat.
Besides writing, he has edited numerous journals and books and actively participated in scholarly and cultural discussions on Kokborok for decades. He has consistently advocated using Bengali or Devanagari scripts for Kokborok, believing these scripts would make it easier to read, teach, and preserve the language for future generations.
TrendingThis Padma Shri award recognises Dev Verma’s persistent efforts to preserve Tripura’s linguistic heritage and strengthen indigenous literature.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha congratulated Dev Verma, who was also honoured with the Tripura Bhushan award in 2024. The Chief Minister posted on social media, “Heartfelt congratulations to Naresh Chandra Dev Verma Ji for receiving the prestigious Padma Shri for his exemplary contribution to Kokborok literature and education. Tripura is proud of you.”
Widely respected in Tripura, Dev Verma is known for his work on literature, language, culture and social issues. His contributions have made a significant impact on communities, and he remains socially active by participating in cultural, social, and intellectual gatherings, seminars and workshops.
Born on 31 October 1944 in Kunjaban, Agartala, Dev Verma hails from a small farming family. His parents were Madan Mohan Dev Verma and Shambhu Laxmi Dev Verma.