Agartala: Tripura celebrated a proud moment as noted Kokborok litterateur, linguist and educationist Naresh Chandra Dev Varma received the prestigious Padma Shri from Droupadi Murmu at a ceremonial function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The honour recognises Dev Varma’s lifelong contribution to the preservation, promotion and development of the Kokborok language, literature and indigenous culture. The award has been hailed as a significant recognition of Tripura’s rich tribal heritage and the enduring legacy of Kokborok literature.
A pioneering figure in Kokborok literary circles, Dev Varma has devoted more than five decades to documenting and enriching the language. He has authored over 30 books, playing a vital role in strengthening indigenous literature and preserving the cultural identity of the Tripuri community for future generations.
Born on October 31, 1944, in Bishramganj, Dev Varma pursued higher education at University of Calcutta before joining the Tripura Legislative Assembly Secretariat. He retired as Joint Secretary while continuing his lifelong commitment to literary research, education and cultural preservation.
The Padma Shri adds to his distinguished list of accolades. In 2024, he was conferred the Tripura Bhushan for his exceptional contributions to tribal literature, language and research.
The recognition has been widely welcomed across Tripura, with writers, academicians and cultural organisations describing the honour as a proud milestone for the state and the Kokborok-speaking community.