'Tangkhul' in CBSE syllabus from this year
Source: The Sangai Express / Addie Chiphang
Ukhrul, February 22 2011:
In a significant development the Tangkhul language has been included in the syllabus of CBSE with effect from the current year.
The joint secretary of Tangkhul Literature Society (TLS) Mark Chiphang in a release said Tangkhul language which is now placed in the CBSE status for the first time in the whole of the tribal language in North East region is indeed an astonishing achievement for the Tangkhul literature.
All this idealism was comprehended due to the indefatigable and industrious initiative of the principal of Little Angle English School (LAES) Soso Shaiza.
As of now, LAES is the only private school affiliated to CBSE in Ukhrul district where the mother language or Tangkhul language is being taught at the secondary level.
Observing further the release opined that the inclusion of Tangkhul language in CBSE syllabus has elated the language of Tangkhul as one of the most comprehensive, developed and advanced amongst the tribes in the country with its wide-ranging dialectic under CBSE Syllabus.
From this day onward, all Tangkhul speaking students or any students who are studying Tangkhul can write CBSE Board Exams in both Class-X and Class-XII in Tangkhul subjects throughout the country, it informed.
"It is pertinent to recall that Tangkhul literature was first developed by Rev.William Pettigrew, a Scottish Missionary in the late 19th Century" .
Pettigrew compiled the Tangkhul Dictionary, Grammar, Hymns (with Music) and New Testament Bible which were one of the earliest among the tribes in the country, the release said.
The TLS avowal in the release wished to place on documentation-record its deep appreciation to Soso Shaiza for her persistent, untiring and selfless efforts to make it a success and also to the CBSE authority especially Mr.Vineet Joshi, IAS, Chairman, CBSE for turning the dreams of the Tangkhul speaking people into an idealism with reality.
The statement of TLS also hailed Principal Secretary (works & transport) Ram Muivah, IAS saying "he is the brain-child behind the screen, all this while, with pure and unique inspiration and ideas, whose contribution and pragmatic approach made such achievement possible.