Bodo Sahitya Sabha

Introduction

Bodo Sahitya Sabha is the main literary and cultural organisation of the Bodo community.
Its primary aim is to protect, promote, and develop the Bodo language, literature, and culture.

Just like Asam Sahitya Sabha works for Assamese language, Bodo Sahitya Sabha works for the Bodo language. It has played a crucial role in preserving the identity, history, and traditions of the Bodo people.

Meaning of the Name Bodo Sahitya Sabha

The name can be understood easily:

• • Bodo – the Bodo community and language

  • Sahitya – literature

  • Sabha – organisation or assembly

Bodo Sahitya Sabha means an organisation formed for the development of Bodo literature and language.

Origin and Establishment of Bodo Sahitya Sabha

• • Bodo Sahitya Sabha was founded in 1952.

  • It was established during a time when the Bodo language lacked official recognition and support.

  • The organisation was formed to:

    • Unite Bodo writers and intellectuals

    • Save the Bodo language from decline

    • Promote education and literary creation in Bodo

Historical Background of Bodo Sahitya Sabha

For a long time:

• • Bodo language was mainly oral, not written widely.

  • It had limited use in schools and administration.

  • Bodo culture and literature were largely ignored.

To overcome these challenges, educated members of the Bodo community came together and formed Bodo Sahitya Sabha. It became the voice of the Bodo people in matters related to language and culture.

Objectives of Bodo Sahitya Sabha

The main goals of the Sabha are:

• • Development of the Bodo language

  • Promotion of:

    • Bodo literature

    • Poetry, prose, drama, and essays

  • Preservation of Bodo culture, folklore, and traditions

  • Expansion of education in Bodo language

  • Protection of linguistic rights of the Bodo people

Activities and Functions of Bodo Sahitya Sabha

Literary Activities

• • Organises annual conferences (Adhiveshan)

  • Encourages writing and publishing in Bodo

  • Supports translation of books into Bodo

  • Helps develop modern Bodo literature

Cultural Activities

• • Preserves:

    • Folk songs

    • Folk tales

    • Traditional customs

  • Promotes Bodo festivals, art, and cultural practices

Language Development

• • Played a key role in:

    • Standardising Bodo grammar and vocabulary

    • Developing Bodo as a written language

  • Advocated for Bodo language in:

    • Schools

    • Colleges

    • Universities

Role of Bodo Sahitya Sabha in Bodo Language Recognition

One of the greatest achievements of Bodo Sahitya Sabha is its role in:

• • Introduction of Bodo language in education

  • Inclusion of Bodo as:

    • A medium of instruction

    • A subject in schools and colleges

  • Recognition of Bodo as an official language of Assam

  • Inclusion of Bodo language in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution (2003)

Script of the Bodo Language

• • Bodo language has used different scripts in the past.

  • Today, Devanagari script is officially used.

  • Bodo Sahitya Sabha played an important role in:

    • Standardising the script

    • Promoting uniform use of Devanagari

Organisational Structure of Bodo Sahitya Sabha

The Sabha has a structured organisation:

• • President

    • Heads the organisation

  • General Secretary

    • Manages daily activities

  • Executive Committee

    • Takes important decisions

  • District and local units

    • Spread its work at grassroots level

Annual Session (Adhiveshan)

• • Held every year at different places

  • Includes:

    • Literary discussions

    • Cultural programmes

    • Debates on language and education

  • Acts as a platform for:

    • Writers

    • Teachers

    • Social activists

Role of Bodo Sahitya Sabha in Social and Cultural Awakening

Bodo Sahitya Sabha helped:

• • Create awareness about Bodo identity

  • Unite the Bodo people culturally

  • Encourage pride in their language and traditions

  • Promote peaceful social reform through education

Contemporary Relevance of Bodo Sahitya Sabha

Even today, Bodo Sahitya Sabha remains active:

• • Works for protection of Bodo language in the modern world

  • Encourages young writers and students

  • Promotes digital and modern literature

  • Faces challenges like:

    • Influence of dominant languages

    • Declining reading habits