Agartala, February 20, 2026: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday asserted that language should not be a subject of dispute but a powerful instrument of development, urging northeastern states, including Tripura, to preserve their indigenous languages through the Nagari script. He was addressing the Joint Regional Official Language Conference of the eastern, northeastern and northern regions.
Emphasising the importance of script in language preservation, the Union Home Minister said that indigenous languages cannot be effectively safeguarded through foreign scripts. Referring specifically to Tripura, he stated that those seeking to preserve their native languages in foreign scripts should consider adopting the Nagari script in the larger interest of long-term conservation and growth. He added that several other northeastern states have already recognised the significance of this issue and have moved forward, and Tripura should also take a clear and positive decision without creating confusion.
Shah claimed that more than 2,000 languages across the country can be preserved using the Nagari script. He observed that many languages do not have their own scripts and that Nagari can play a constructive role in their preservation and institutional development. He called upon policymakers, scholars and administrators to take proactive steps for the advancement of both official and local languages, underlining their critical role in governance and nation-building.
On the subject of Hindi, he said that there has been sustained propaganda against the language for decades. However, he maintained that Hindi and regional languages are not in conflict, describing their relationship as akin to “two sisters from the same mother.” According to him, the growth of Hindi does not undermine regional languages; rather, it can facilitate their wider reach and mutual enrichment. He noted that under the leadership of Narendra Modi, the government has placed renewed emphasis on education in native languages, and communication through Hindi has become easier across different parts of the country, thereby strengthening national unity.
Highlighting the rich cultural diversity of the Northeast, Shah said the region is home to over 200 languages, 160 tribes, nearly 50 distinct festivals and more than 30 traditional dance forms spread across eight states. He observed that a region once associated with insurgency has witnessed a transformative decade marked by peace agreements and cultural resurgence. As a result, large-scale events such as Rajbhasha Sammelans can now be organised smoothly.
The Home Minister also stressed the necessity of imparting primary education in the mother tongue, stating that foundational learning is most effective when delivered in a child’s native language. He urged families to encourage their children to pursue studies in their mother tongue to ensure stronger cognitive development and cultural continuity.
Calling upon dignitaries and officials present at the conference, Shah appealed for collective efforts to further strengthen official and local languages to ensure their preservation, systematic development and contribution to national integration.
Shah was accompanied by Chief Minister Prof Dr Manik Saha, MP Biplab Kumar Deb, MP Rajib Bhattacharjee, and others.
