Guwahati: In a major boost to the preservation of indigenous languages through technology, software engineer Bikram Rai has officially transferred the copyright of the Magar digital font to the All Sikkim Magar Association (ASMA), nearly 19 years after developing the software.
The copyright assignment agreement, signed on Saturday, grants ASMA full ownership and intellectual property rights over the digital font, which Rai created in 2007. With the transfer, the association now has exclusive authority over the software’s use, reproduction, modification, publication and distribution, ensuring long-term community control over the resource.
Addressing the programme organised by ASMA, Rai recalled that he developed the font shortly after completing his engineering studies while working in software development in Gangtok. His first project involved digitising the Rai language script, and after its successful completion, former ASMA president Bishnu Rana Magar requested him to create a digital font for the Magar language. He later developed a similar font for the Tamang language, enabling both scripts to be used on computers for publications, educational material and official documents.
Rai said the software allows indigenous scripts to be displayed on computer keyboards, making it possible to produce books, newspapers and educational resources in native languages. Over the years, the Magar font has been widely used for publishing textbooks and other learning materials.
Although he retained the legal copyright as the creator, Rai said he never intended to restrict the community’s use of the software. Instead, his goal was to support the preservation and promotion of indigenous languages and ensure that the technology remained accessible.
He also reflected on the challenges of developing the software nearly two decades ago, when internet access and software development resources were limited. The project took around six months to complete, with technical guidance from senior colleagues at IIT Powai, Mumbai. Rai acknowledged architect Jigme Dorji Bhutia for designing the script characters in AutoCAD before they were converted into digital fonts. He added that creating the Tamang font required additional work because several characters not found in the Sambhota script had to be designed from scratch.
Expressing satisfaction over the formal handover, Rai thanked the Magar community for recognising his contribution and said he was pleased that the software would continue benefiting future generations.
ASMA president Reman Thapa described the copyright transfer as a landmark achievement for the community. He said the association, along with its language committee, teachers and members, had worked consistently since 2007 to promote the Magar language, and ownership of the font would further strengthen efforts to preserve literature, publications and research in digital form.
Thapa emphasised that the software would remain an important resource for educators, researchers and future generations. He also thanked Rai for allowing the community to use the font freely for nearly two decades despite holding the copyright, and confirmed that the association had paid an agreed amount to formally acquire the software.
The Magar digital font has already been instrumental in producing Magar-language textbooks, the community’s Herald publication and several other books following the language’s official recognition. The transfer of ownership is expected to further advance digital initiatives aimed at safeguarding and promoting the Magar language.