Tezpur University develops Android App for writing Bodo

TEZPUR: In order to conveniently type Bodo texts in Android devices, some students and faculty members of Tezpur University have developed an Android App named ‘Demsi’, meaning graceful and smooth. The app, which is available in google play store makes typing Bodo convenient by suggesting possible words when the user types the first few letters of a word. It can be used with existing software such as WhatsApp, Instagram, email, etc.

The developing of the App was started by an MTech (IT) student, Sudem Daimari of the Department of Computer Science & Engineering (CSE) under supervision of Prof S K Sinha of CSE Department. Later, it caught the attention of Dr Nayan Basumatary, an alumnus of CSE Department and Chairman of Sub-Divisional Board of Tribal Development, Tezpur, who alongwith Prof Utpal Sharma of CSE Department further developed the App. They were assisted by Sujal Kumar, a student of BTech (ECE) and Manash Pratim Lahkar, a PhD student of CSE Department.

Launching the App and delivering the Presidential address, Prof. Shambhu Nath Singh, Vice Chancellor, Tezpur University said that the App would popularize Bodo language, which is one of the prominent languages of Assam. “More than 3 million individuals in Northeast India speak Bodo as their native tongue. It is widely used for conversation, document creation and communication. However, the Bodo language lags in terms of technology and this App will help people writing in their own Bodo Scripts,” Prof. Singh said.

Prof. Utpal Sharma, one of the developers of the App explained few technicalities of the App. “These days documents are commonly created on computers and mobile devices. Due to lack of Bodo word recommendation and word suggestion, people are forced to rely on the use software for the Hindi language, which requires excessive amount of time for the construction of words, and consequently, many people do not prefer to use it. Additionally, people are forced to rely on the use of the Roman (English) alphabet, which has caused people to forget the use of writing in their own Bodo Scripts. Therefore, the availability of appropriate technology is a must. This effort of ours focuses on the development and implementation of a misspelling checker and word suggestion system for the Bodo language,” Prof. Sharma explained.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Nayan Basumatary explained some of the key features of the App. “It is one of the first kind of App for Bodo language that makes composition and writing in Bodo made easy. No need to type Bodo words one-by-one and this App can be used in all kinds of social media Platforms,” Dr Basumatary said.

During the App launch ceremony, members of Bodo Sahitya Sabha, All Bodo Students’ Union, students from Darrang and Tezpur colleges were present.

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