PM Modi lauds Assam’s efforts in translating Assamese dictionary ‘Hemkosh’ into Braille

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hailed Assam’s efforts in translating the oldest Assamese dictionary ‘Hemkosh’ into Braille for the differently-abled.

Addressing the nation during the 93rd edition of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi appreciated the Chairman of ‘Sadin-Pratidin’ group of publications, Jayanta Baruah, and his team for their concerted efforts leading to the publication of the latest Braille version of Hemkosh.

It may be mentioned here that earlier the Braille edition of ‘Hemkosh’, was gifted to the Prime Minister by Jayanta Baruah in the presence of Assam Chief Minister Sarma and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

Hemkosh is the first Assamese dictionary which was edited by Hemchandra Baruah in the 19th Century and was published in the year 1900, four years after his demise.

From then on, Hemchandra Baruah’s family has been publishing the dictionary and the editions four to 14th were compiled and edited by Jayanta’s father Pran Debananda Baruah, son of Hemchandra.

Taking forward the legacy, Jayanta conceptualised and published the Braille edition which has 10,000 pages and consists of more than 15 volumes.