Boko, May 16: Jubilation echoed across the Rabha community on Thursday evening as the Assam government officially issued a notification declaring the introduction of Rabha language medium in schools—a long-cherished dream finally coming true.
In a landmark move, the state’s education department announced that 105 Lower Primary Schools across Goalpara (81 schools) and Kokrajhar (24 schools) will now function as Rabha language medium institutions. The announcement sparked celebration among community members and cultural bodies, especially the Bebak Rabha Kraurang Runchum (BRKR)—also known as the Nikhil Rabha Sahitya Sabha—which has long been at the forefront of the movement.
“This is a historic moment for the Rabha community,” said Rajkumar Rabha, General Secretary of BRKR, at a press conference. “Our heartfelt thanks go to Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu for their decisive steps.”
Rajkumar Rabha noted that while many existing teachers in Assamese medium schools are proficient in the Rabha language, the government has also assured future appointments of dedicated Rabha language teachers to strengthen the new medium of instruction.
For decades, Rabha organizations—including BRKR and the All Rabha Students’ Union (ARSU)—have advocated for mother tongue-based education to preserve their rich linguistic and cultural heritage.
Welcoming the notification (vide letter no. E.No. 632888/68 dated Dispur, 15 May 2025), ARSU President Motilal Rabha hailed it as a “positive commitment by the Government to uphold linguistic rights and promote inclusive education.” Calling it a moment of “joy and pride,” he said the move validates years of grassroots advocacy.
Dr. Subhash Rabha, ARSU’s General Secretary, emphasized the educational benefits of learning in one’s mother tongue. “This initiative will not only help preserve and enrich the Rabha language, but also ensure stronger foundational learning for Rabha-speaking children.”
However, both BRKR and ARSU leaders underscored that this is just the beginning. They urged the government to roll out a comprehensive roadmap—expanding Rabha medium education to more schools, ensuring robust teacher training, and developing high-quality textbooks and curricula in the Rabha language.
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