No loss in learning different languages: Biren
CM opens language training programme
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, December 02 2022:
Chief Minister N Biren Singh stated that there is no loss in learning different languages adding that 'our identity will not be compromised in learning languages' .
He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of a "Two months local language training programme of seven languages" at Manipur State Film Development Society, Palace Compound today.
The programme was organised by the Department of Language Planning & Implementation, Government of Manipur.
Continuing his speech, N Biren maintained that the idea behind the local language training programme is to maintain unity among different communities and go together as one.
If different communities inhabiting the State begin to think only of their respective communities, the meaning of State will be lost, he added.
Mentioning that the programme is a long-term plan of the Government, the Chief Minister continued "We could go deeply in something when learnt or expressed in our mother tongue" .
As an example, he stressed the need for police to file First Information Report (FIR) in the local language adding that details of FIRs can be expressed more precisely in local languages.
Further highlighting the importance of learning different dialects, he informed that priority would be given to those candidates who know multiple local languages in the recruitment of State Government's job.
If the Tangkhuls, the Thadous and the Meiteis write about their respective communities exclusively without ever trying to understand each other, the State would continue to face challenges to its integrity and collective development will remain a far cry, Biren said.
Informing that the MBBS course would be taught in Hindi, the Chief Minister pointed out that a great number of countries have been using their own mother languages as the medium of education.
"If the different communities know and speak each other's languages, we can communicate more effectively and we will be able to correct each others' mistakes", Biren said.
He asserted that learning languages does not pose any threat to one's identity or freedom.
Expressing satisfaction that many students applied for the training programme, he stressed the need to extend the language training programme for elders to create a healthy relationship among different communities.
He also expressed the need to include the State's history in the syllabus of school students to make younger generations aware of 'our history and civilization'.
Concluding his speech, N Biren further raised concern on the negative impacts of absorbing western culture without proper education, knowledge and infrastructure.
He also urged all parents and guardians to ensure the usage of mobile phones by their wards only for education and gaining knowledge, as it has become one major factor for social degradation.
Education Minister Th Basanta Kumar Singh, delivering his presidential speech, appreciated the Chief Minister's far-sighted vision and for coming up with the initiative of the local language training programme.
He continued that the initiative would remain as a significant step in the history of Manipur adding that the same would help in bringing different communities of the State closer to one another.
Stating that the Education Department had taken up many initiatives to improve the education system, the Education Minister informed that the department had even sought funds from external funding agencies to improve the infrastructure of educational institutes and to address the shortage of staff.
He further informed that the Education Department would come up with new uniforms (T-shirts and Check shirts) for Government schools from the next academic session.
He also mentioned that a Command & Control Centre had been constructed at Bapupara for real time monitoring of schools and added that the Central Government had also sanctioned Rs 3 crore for implementation of the same.
Th Basanta Kumar expressed his hope that the current Government would bring a revolution in the education system of the State, keeping the merit system in the forefront.
It may be mentioned that the 2 months training programme for seven local languages including Meitei, Tangkhul, Poumai, Rongmei, Anal, Paite and Thadou will be held at Johnstone Higher Secondary School on pilot basis.
40 participants will be given training for each language.
Altogether 280 students are participating in the training programme while 291 students have been placed in the waiting list.
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