Newmai News Network
Shillong | February 19
In a bid to restore the lost glory of the ancient Koch language, the Koch Krorang Mathop (KKM) or Koch Sahitya Sabha, the literary wing of the Koches of Meghalaya has decided to introduce a proficiency course in Koch language to all interested public which will enable an individual to read, write and speak the Koch dialect.
Addressing the 40th foundation day celebration of the Koch Krorang Mathop held at Patijhora in South-West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, Upen Hari Koch, a leading literary figure amongst the Koches, stated that it is a matter of great pride that the Koches of Garo Hills have been able to preserve the ancient Tibeto-Burman Koch dialect in its pristine purity in spite of the massive Sanskritization during the early 19th Century. It is now essential to propagate the same amongst the masses, he added.
Earlier, Umendra Koch, adviser of KKM recalled the early days of the KKM and stressed that the new generation has to shoulder the responsibility of carrying the rich legacy of the Koch language forward.
Nirmal Koch, President of the KKM updated the gathering on the various publications in Koch dialect. A resolution to move the Government of Meghalaya to consider introduction of Koch dialect at select primary schools was also adopted at the meet.
It is worth mentioning here that the Koch Krorang Mathop, Meghalaya, in spite of several constraints, has been at the forefront in reviving the lost glory of the ancient Koch language through various publications including of late a English-Koch dictionary compiled by Alexander Kondakov, a Russian linguist.
Bipra Mohan Koch, Dharmeswar Koch, adviser, KKM ; Nripendra Koch, MDC, GHADC ; Umendra Koch, adviser, KKM; Bibekananda Koch, vice-president, KKM and Dhiraj Banai, Secretary, KKM were amongst others who spoke on the occasion.
