Rev. Endle's Legacy: Pioneering Education and Cultural Empowerment for the Boro-Kachari Community
Rev. Endle, whose full name was William Charles Endle, was a missionary who played a significant role in the socio-cultural and educational development of the Boro-Kachari people in Assam, India.
William Charles Endle was born in 1840. He arrived in
India in 1864 as a missionary sent by the Society for the Propagation of the
Gospel (SPG). His missionary work initially began under Mr. Hesselmyer at the
Kachari Mission in Tezpur, Assam. One of Endle's notable contributions was the
establishment of educational institutions and the promotion of the Boro language
and culture. He founded the first-ever Church, St. Paul Church, and the
first-ever Lower Primary (L.P.) school at Bengbari. Endle introduced the Roman
script for the Boro medium of instruction, which played a crucial role in
preserving and disseminating the language.
Endle's dedication to education extended beyond the
establishment of schools. He also authored educational materials and
publications aimed at preserving and promoting the Boro language and culture.
Notably, he published the "Manual of the Kachari Language" in 1884
and authored "The Kacharis," a book that provided insights into the
culture and traditions of the Boro-Kachari people, which was first published in
1911.
Throughout his missionary tenure, Endle worked
tirelessly to improve the educational opportunities and socio-cultural status
of the Boro-Kachari community. His efforts laid the foundation for future
educational advancements and cultural revitalization initiatives within the
community.
Endle made significant contributions to the Boro-Kachari community in Assam during the early 20th century. His efforts led to the establishment of the first government-sponsored L.P. school for Boro-Kachari children in 1925, breaking the monopoly of missionary-run schools and expanding access to education. He also inspired the formation of the Boro Sahitya Sabha in 1952, promoting Boro language and literature. Endle advocated for the introduction of Boro as a medium of instruction in L.P. schools, which occurred in Kokrajhar district in 1963 and Udalguri district in 1968, empowering Boro children and preserving their cultural identity. His legacy is one of educational empowerment, cultural preservation, and advocacy for indigenous communities.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author's. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of The Critical Script or its editor.
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