Many celebrate linguistic diversity on International Mother Language Day
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 21 2025:
The worldwide annual observance of International Mother Language Day to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism was held in various places across the State.
The Directorate of Language Planning & Implementation Manipur observed the silver jubilee celebration of International Mother Language Day 2025 on the theme "Languages Matter".
The event was held at the conference hall of the Department of Adult Education, Babupara, Imphal.
Notable dignitaries include L Radhakanta, MCS, Director, Language, Planning & Implementation, Manipur; Anjali Chongtham, MCS, Addl Director, Adult Education and Laishram Bobi, MCS, Joint Secretary, Adult Education Department.
Wakhallon Manaba Apunba (WAMA), Kangleipak and Citizens Club, Soibam Leikai jointly observed International Mother Language Day at the office of Citizens Club today under the theme "Languages, Significance".
Dignitaries present at the event include Akham Joykumar, Chairman, Board of Secondary Education Manipur (BOSEM) as the chief guest; Moirangthem Naokhamba Meetei, president, WAMA as the functional president; L Joy Khuman, president.
All Manipur Recognized Private School Welfare Association; Naorem Mahendra, president, Citizens Club and Hamom Naba, former Chairman of Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur (COHSEM).
On the occasion, Arun Print House, Nagamapal Lamabam Leikai sponsored an award to Late Chingsubam Akaba, which was presented to the family members of the deceased.
Speaking on the occasion Akham Joykumar commended Wakhallon Manaba Apunba (WAMA), Kangleipak and Citizens Club, Soibam Leikai for organising the observance ceremony.
He said that many mother languages across the globe are taught in schools.
It is a form of safeguarding the language.
It is the duty of every citizen to work towards protecting and promoting their mother languages, said the BOSEM Chairman.
Separately, the Students for Development (SFD) Manipur in collaboration with the Forestry Department, Manipur University celebrated International Mother Language Day by organizing an environmental awareness initiative from 10 am to 1 pm today.
As per a press note issued by SFD Manipur, the event saw the enthusiastic participation of 528 attendees, including students, faculty members and guests.
The highlight of the program was an interactive activity where participants wrote down a sentence about environmental protection in their mother tongue, emphasizing the importance of linguistic diversity in spreading environmental consciousness.
The event was graced by Dr Vivek Vaishnav, Head of the Department of Forestry, along with faculty members Dr Salam Dilip, Dr Robert Panmei, Khwairakpam Romesh and Dr Romeechand Loushambam.
Other prominent attendees included Gautam Philem, ABVP State Secretary; Pinubala Laishram, ABVP State Joint Secretary; Dr Aribam Indira, SFD State In-charge; Borrish Kumar, State SFD Convenor and Amrita Sharma, State SFD Co-convener.
The program successfully spread awareness about the crucial need for environmental protection while celebrating the region's linguistic diversity.
Additionally, the Manipuri Mashang, Manipuri Taibang Maheikol, Manipuri Department, Manipur University also joined in observing the day at the Department.
Professor N Lokendra Singh, Vice Chancellor, MU graced the event as the chief guest; Professor N Pramodini, Dean, School of Humanities, MU; Professor N Sanatombi, former VC In-Charge, MU and Professor N Aruna, former Dean, School of Humanities, MU as the guests of honour and Professor Loitongbam Birjita Devi, Head, Manipuri Department, MU as the functional president.
Addressing the gathering, Professor N Lokendra stated that students should take advantage of the provision for studying in their mother language as shown in the NEP 2020.He also urged Manipuri writers to join the book publishing project undertaken by the Publication and Documentation Cell of Manipur University as per the NEP 2020 guidelines to promote digital education.
Meanwhile Professor L Birjita called for fostering the growth and preservation of Manipuri language while adding that if the use of the language decreases, so will its growth and progress.
As resource person, Professor S Sanatombi spoke about the significance of Manipuri folklore.
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