Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 20:
Manipuri Language Day was observed at the office of All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) here today in commemoration of the inclusion of Manipuri language in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
After long years of demand and agitation, Manipuri language was given its due recognition and finally included in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution of India on August 20, 1992.Speaking at the occasion as chief guest, member of Manipur Human Rights Commission Ng Nongyai categorically stated that it would be wrong to look at those who are working for the development and promotion of their own language and script as anti-social elements trying to rake up communal sentiment among the people.
The exponents of Manipuri language and script are not against any community and Manipuri language is for all the people of Manipur, he said, adding that the elements of the languages spoken by different groups of indigenous people living in Manipur are found in Manipuri language itself.
He lamented that even after completion of 15 years of inclusion of Manipuri language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution, the Government has done nothing for the development of the language and its script.
It should be the collective responsible of all including the Government to promote Manipuri language and its script, he added.
For the development and promotion of Manipuri language and its script, the Government ought to have a separate Minister, Directorate and Secretariat and earmarked fund in the budget, Nongyai observed.
AMSU president Khamba Laishram presided over the function held at the office of the student body located inside the campus of DM College.
Manipuri Language Development Society president Prof MS Ningomba and former president of AMSU Y Priyokumar were also present at the occasion as guests of honour.
In his address, MS Ningomba said Manipuri language is counted among the 169 richest languages of the world.
However even if Grammar of Manipuri language is being published in German, none of the Manipuri people can do so.
It is high time for all us to contribute our mite towards the popularisation and development of Manipuri language and its script, he exhorted.
Manipuri Sahitya Parishad also observed the Manipuri Language Day today at its Paona Bazar office here.
B Jayantakumar Sharma presided over the function during which RK Jhalajit Singh and Dr Lamabam Gojendro spoke on the occasion.