In a significant cultural and linguistic move, the Asom Sahitya Sabha is pressing for Assamese to be recognized as the fourth official language in Arunachal Pradesh. The proposal is part of the Sabha’s broader campaign to strengthen the Assamese language and culture across the northeastern region, under the leadership of its president, Dr. Basanta Kumar Goswami.
Speaking to the media, Dr. Goswami revealed that a delegation from the Asom Sahitya Sabha will visit Namsai in Arunachal Pradesh on June 21, where discussions will be held in the presence of the state’s Deputy Chief Minister. The aim is to address the concerns of the sizeable Assamese-speaking population in the region and push for official recognition of the language.
“There are 25 Assamese-speaking villages in Namsai district. People can speak Assamese fluently, but cannot read or write it. We want to solve this problem through educational efforts — and we believe it’s time for Assamese to be officially acknowledged in Arunachal Pradesh,” Dr. Goswami said.
Currently, the official languages of Arunachal Pradesh include English, Hindi, and a regional tribal language. If accepted, Assamese would become the fourth official language, enabling its use in administrative affairs, education, and official communications, especially in Assamese-dominated areas like Namsai.
Dr. Goswami emphasized the historical and cultural ties between the two states and the importance of preserving the linguistic identity of Assamese-speaking communities in the border districts. “It’s not just about language — it’s about cultural dignity and representation,” he added.
This move is part of the Sabha’s larger outreach strategy, which also includes developing relations with the governments of Nagaland and Meghalaya to promote the Assamese language and cultural cooperation. In addition, Asom Sahitya Sabha has launched impactful campaigns in Barak Valley, where it is addressing language education issues and enrolling police personnel and university faculty as life members.
With this initiative, the Asom Sahitya Sabha is asserting a bold and inclusive vision — one that seeks to protect linguistic minorities, bridge cultural gaps, and elevate the Assamese language on a regional platform.
