Literary bodies pin hope on Assam government's assistance to bring out dictionaries

A CORRESPONDENT

NAGAON: Dispur's recent decision to financially assist the literary bodies of the smaller tribes of the State has brought a ray of hope among the leadership of the two literary bodies of the two hill districts of Assam. Both Karbi Lammet Amai and Dimasa Sahitya Sabha propose to go for full-fledged illustrated dictionaries of their own once the government sanctions the amount fixed for them. Both the literary bodies have been separately planning for their 'illustrated dictionary' projects since a couple of years but lack of fund was always a problem.

Recently, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced that Dispur would provide Rs 3 crore as one-time assistance to the literary bodies of the smaller tribes. The government's aim is to uplift the language and literature of the smaller communities of the State. Sonowal cleared that literary bodies might use the fund for need-based works, not in building construction.

Karbi Lammet Amai- the highest literary body of the Karbis - is very influential in Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong and Umrangsu part of Dima Hasao. Dimasa Sahitya Sabha's activities are mainly seen in Dima Hasao and parts of Karbi Anglong, Nagaon, Cacher and Dimapur.

"Till now several Karbi experts compiled dictionaries in the Karbi language separately. These include the initiatives of Rongbong Terang and others. Our plan is to go for a more illustrated and more informative Karbi language dictionary which needs research and joint initiatives of a group of people whom we will engage," said Karbi Lammet Amai general secretary Lila Dhar Teron.

Dimasa Sahitya Sabha general secretary Dinendra Thousen said that recent discussion among the leadership of the literary bodies of the State with the Chief Minister made the people optimistic as financial assistance might back the bodies to go for some 'need-based works'.

"We have an illustrated dictionary project in hand for the last four years. Time and again we discussed the issue among ourselves and with political leaders in power in the local NC Hills autonomous council. But till now we have not made any progress in this regard because of financial crunch," Thausen said. Both the literary bodies representing the two communities – Karbi and Dimasa - are known for their renowned books published in their languages from time to time.

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