Dr. Tony Koyu
Inventor of Tani Lipi Script
A visionary indigenous leader from Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh who created the Tani Lipi — a unique scientific writing system devised on 2nd June 2000 to preserve and promote the Tani language spoken by over 13 lakh tribal people across Northeast India.
Mission
A Visionary for Indigenous Languages
Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India
Dr. Tony Koyu is an indigenous social scientist, author, and cultural preservationist from Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. He is best known as the inventor of Tani Lipi — a unique scientific writing and typing system specially designed for the phonetic needs of the Tani-speaking tribal communities.
Born with a passion for his people's heritage, Dr. Koyu spent years in research and dedication to create a script that could bridge multiple tribal dialects into one unified writing system. His work aims to prevent the Tani language from going into oblivion and to secure recognition of Tani Language in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
A multifaceted personality, he is also a novelist, philosopher, social activist, and founder of the Tony Koyu Foundation, working tirelessly to digitalize and mainstream the Tani language across Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
Milestones & Legacy
🎉 Birth of Tani Lipi
On 2nd June 2000, Dr. Tony Koyu unveiled Tani Lipi to the world — a revolutionary writing system designed for the Tani-speaking tribal communities of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
📚 First Public Presentation
Tani Lipi was first presented at a seminar at NEIST, Naharlagun. The state's then Education Minister Dera Natung approved it as a common script for all Tani-speaking tribes.
📺 Media Recognition
Doordarshan Kendra (DDK) and North East TV started telecasting the tele-film "The Last Hope", highlighting Tani Lipi and its cultural significance to millions of viewers.
📖 Literary Works Published
Dr. Koyu authored and published five books including novels and philosophical works in Galo and Adi languages using Tani Lipi, inspiring thousands to learn and adopt the script.
🏛️ Legislative Push & CM Recognition
Major tribal youth organizations submitted memoranda to the Chief Minister urging adoption of Tani Lipi. CM Pema Khandu appreciated Dr. Koyu's novels written in Tani language.
📱 Tani Lipi App Launched
The Tony Koyu Foundation officially launched the Tani Lipi typing app on Google Play Store, enabling over 13 lakh Tani people to digitally adopt and celebrate their unique language.
🌐 Digital Language Mission
Dr. Tony Koyu continues his mission through the Tony Koyu Foundation, working to make Tani a fully digital language and seeking its recognition in India's 8th Constitutional Schedule.
About Tani Lipi
A groundbreaking indigenous script that promises to revitalize the Tani languages and preserve the rich cultural heritage of millions across Northeast India.
Born on 2nd June 2000
Tani Lipi was created on June 2, 2000, by Dr. Tony Koyu after years of deep research into the phonetic needs of Tani dialects spoken across Arunachal Pradesh.
Left-to-Right Alphabetic Script
Tani Lipi is a left-to-right alphabetic script — much like English — consisting of 26 letters specially designed for the phonetical needs of Tani speaking tribes.
For 13+ Lakh Tribal People
Designed to serve over 13 lakh Tani-speaking tribal people across Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, including Adi, Nyishi, Galo, Tagin, Apatani, and Mishing communities.
Language Preservation Mission
Tani Lipi emerged as the "Last Hope" to restore the Tani language from extinction — transitioning oral traditions into a documented, digitally-capable writing system.
Fully Digital & Typeable
Tani Lipi works on computers and smartphones. The Tani Lipi App on Google Play Store enables seamless digital usage of the script for all communities.
Tribal Unity & Social Harmony
Tani Lipi is not merely a script — it is a symbol of pride, identity, and unity for all descendants of Abo Tani, bringing harmony across diverse tribal communities.
Tani Lipi Alphabet — 26 Letters
Hover over each character to interact with the Tani Lipi script
"Tanilipi is not a mere writing script — it's our pride and identity. It is the last hope to restore our language from going into oblivion."
Awards & Achievements
Inventor of Tani Lipi
Sole inventor of the Tani Lipi script — the first indigenous scientific writing system for Tani languages of Arunachal Pradesh.
Published Author
Authored 5+ books including novels and philosophical texts in Galo and Adi languages using Tani Lipi, plus a novel in Hindi.
CM's Appreciation
Honoured by Arunachal Pradesh's Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu for his Tani language novels and cultural contributions.
National TV Feature
DDK & North East TV have been telecasting "The Last Hope" tele-film on Tani Lipi since 2005, reaching millions across India.
Tani Lipi App
Founded and launched the Tani Lipi typing app on Google Play Store (Dec 2023), enabling digital adoption of the script.
AIR Interview Archive
Featured and interviewed by All India Radio (AIR) for his landmark contributions to tribal language preservation and indigenous literacy.
Tony Koyu Foundation
Founded the Tony Koyu Foundation Pvt. Ltd (Section 8 Company) to systematically digitalize and promote the Tani language.
NEIST Seminar Speaker
First publicly presented Tani Lipi at a seminar at the North Eastern Institute of Science and Technology, Naharlagun in 2001.
Tani Tribes & Peoples
The Tani Language Family
Tani is a group of Sino-Tibetan languages belonging to the Tibeto-Burman branch, spoken mainly in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in Northeast India. These languages share deep roots from the legendary ancestor Abo Tani. Despite rich oral traditions, none of these dialects historically had their own written script — until Dr. Tony Koyu created Tani Lipi to unite and empower them all.
Dr. Tony Koyu in Focus
Contact Dr. Tony Koyu
Let's Connect & Collaborate
Interested in learning Tani Lipi, collaborating on cultural preservation, or inviting Dr. Tony Koyu for a seminar or interview? Reach out below.
Official Website
tanilipi.in — Learn Tani Lipi
Tani Lipi App
Download on Google Play Store
Location
Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India
Tony Koyu Foundation
Section 8 Company — Social Sector