Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday emphasized that the growth of Hindi and the preservation of regional languages must move forward simultaneously, stressing that language is meant to foster unity rather than create divisions.

He made these remarks while speaking at the Eastern, North-Eastern, and Northern Regional Rajbhasha Sammelan held at the International Indoor Exhibition Centre in Hapania. The conference was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Welcoming delegates, Dr. Saha expressed gratitude to the Union Home Minister for selecting Tripura as the host state for the significant gathering. He said the large turnout reflected the importance of the event and noted that accommodations across the state were fully booked due to the Sammelan. He also appreciated the efforts of officials who worked diligently to ensure its success and congratulated those who were honored for their contributions to the promotion of Rajbhasha.

The Chief Minister highlighted that national development must go hand in hand with the promotion of the official language. He said a widely understood language helps bridge the gap between citizens and the government, and Hindi has played an important role in this regard. At the same time, he underscored that India’s strength lies in its linguistic diversity and that regional languages must flourish alongside Hindi.

According to him, language policy should focus on inclusivity. Promoting Hindi should not come at the cost of local tongues; rather, both should be encouraged together. He said this balanced approach reflects the spirit of the North-East and reinforces national unity.

Dr. Saha further stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian languages, including Sanskrit, are experiencing renewed attention and growth. Referring to the National Education Policy 2020, he noted that the policy places strong emphasis on mother-tongue education and multilingual learning. Many institutions, he said, are increasingly offering instruction in regional languages, strengthening cultural identity and accessibility.

He also observed that the use and understanding of Hindi have grown in Tripura over the years, reflecting greater linguistic integration.

Among those present at the event were Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, MPs Rajib Bhattacharya, Biplab Kumar Deb, Kriti Singh Debbarma, Secretary of the Department of Official Language Anshuli Arya, Professor Milan Rani Jamatia of Tripura Central University, along with several ministers, legislators, and senior officials.

The Sammelan saw participation from over 3,000 representatives, including officials from central government offices, public sector undertakings, and banks. Delegates from several eastern, northern, and north-eastern states attended the conference, making it a significant platform for discussions on the promotion and implementation of the official language across regions.