'Understanding mother tongue a must for all'
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, February 21 2013:
As done in different parts of the world, International Mother Language Day was also observed in the State today with the Deputy Chief Minister of the state pledging that he would personally take role in developing and preserving the mother language of Manipur.
Speaking as Chief Guest of the International Mother Language Day observance function organized jointly by Research Forum Manipur and State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) at Kangla Hall here, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam categorically stated if any person who have completed their studies either in Manipur or outside say that they do not know how to read or write in Meeteilon, it is a big shame not only for themselves but also to the State.
Acknowledging the fact that Meeteilon is the lingua franca for all the communities settling in the State and it is the only means to tie the people of the State together, Gaikhangam stated that all those individuals who are Meeteilon 'illiterate' should think of ways and means of learning to read and write in Meeteilon.
"Understanding Meetei-lon as a Manipuri is a must," he said.
Gaikhangam also pointed out the need to promote and preserve Meeteilon by every section of the society even though it may not be the mother tongue of all the ethnic tribes.
Since it has been included in the 8th schedule of Indian Constitution, it becomes the duty of all of us to work for the development of Manipuri language.
Furthermore, the Deputy Chief Minister noted that knowing multiple languages would only bring us more knowledge and there is no loss on the part of an individual who can read and write more than one language.
The State Government has taken up steps to establish a Language Directorate.
The role of the State government is to provide ways and means for its development, and the support and cooperation of the public is needed for it to succeed, he added.
Presided over by Mutua Bahadur, President of Research Forum Manipur, the function was also attended by MLA Kh Joykishan as Guest of Honour.
Prof PC Thoudam and Associate Prof Dr T Tampha of Manipuri Department, Manipur University were among other resource persons who spoke on different topics on the occasion.
The International Mother Language Day was also observed under the aegis of Sahitya Thoupang Lup at the auditorium of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy here with Education Minister M Okendro; Parliamentary Secretary in charge of IPR K Meghachandra and Prof H Nandakumar Sharma, Vice Chancellor, Manipur University as Chief Guest, Guest of Honour and President respectively.
All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) and writer Leihaotabam Sharatchandra were honoured with Suigeneris Mother Language Award on the occasion during which Dr Anand Longjam, Senior Research Assistant, CIIL, Mysore spoke on the topic of "Manipuri Longi Oiriba Phibam" (the present condition of Manipuri language) .