32nd Manipuri Language Day observed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 20 2023: To commemorate the inclusion of Manipuri language in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution, the 32nd Manipuri Language Day was observed today at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen in Palace Compound.

The event was organised by the Manipuri Language Day State Level Celebration Committee.

It was attended by Manipuri Sahitya Parishad president Longjam Joychandra, Manipur State Shumang Leela Council lifetime president Ph Gunachandra Sharma, Film Forum Manipur chairman L Surjakanta Sharma and Writers' Union Imphal president Syed Ahmed as presidium members.

32nd Manipuri Language Day observed

Addressing the gathering, Celebration Committee convenor Leihaothabam Sharatchandra said, "We cannot preserve and promote Manipuri language, if we are not proud of having our own language and script" .

He stated that knowing different languages is good but importance should be given to their mother tongue.

He shared that Meitei Mayek has been adopted as the only script for Manipuri language in place of Bengali script and introduced in all the schools/ colleges/ universities of the State.

Naharol Sahitya Premee Samiti president Naoroibam Indramani mentioned that Manipuri language is an advanced language which is used/spoken not only in Manipur but also in other States of India like Tripura & Assam and even in Bangladesh and Burma.

Cultural Forum Manipur president Huirem Behari also spoke on the occasion.

The Directorate of Regional Indian Languages & Research (DRILR), Manipur International University (MIU), also celebrated the 32nd Manipuri Language Day at the Conference Hall of MIU in Ghari, Imphal West, to commemorate the inclusion of Manipuri language in the 8th Schedule on August 20, 1992 .

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Thokchom Chandramani Singh, Dean, DRILR, appealed to the authorities concerned to honour the status of other lesser known language & endangered languages of Manipur like Purum, Tarao, Koireng, Kharam, Moyon, Monshang, Aimol, Thangal and Chothe.

He also stressed on the need for a linguistic survey in the State to identify and determine the actual number of languages and dialects spoken in the State and identify the endangered languages & take steps for their preservation.

Harikumar Pallathadka, Chancellor, MIU, said that Manipur State Language Commission & State Language Policy is a must for the preservation & promotion of not only Manipuri, an advanced language which is already tabled for the endorsement of classical language status of Indian Union but also other non-schedule languages of Manipur.

He assured to create awareness regarding the protection, promotion and preservation of Manipuri language under the Information, Education & Communication Program of the Directorate of Information & Public Relations.

Rajendro Pangambam, former Head Trainer SPG, Ministry of Home Affairs; Ambition Anth, secretary general UNESCO Club Manipur; MD Alam Ajad, community language expert; author & announcer AIR Imphal, Keke Wahengbam; Hamom Promud; language activist from Montreal Canada, Wanglit Mongcha; Ruhini Subakrishna from Mysore; and Amom Nandaraj Meetei, RP, CIIL, Government of India, also participated in the event through offline & online.

During the event, Prof Dr R Subbakrishna Memorial Community Linguist Award 2023 was conferred to Yumnam Nouba Meetei for his contribution to Manipuri language & revitalization of aged old indigenous scripts locally called Yelhou Mayek.

A panel discussion on the topic, "Mother tongue from indigenous perspective, our language, our pride" was also conducted.

Manipuri Language Day was also celebrated today by the Manipur People's Party (MPP) at its Conference Hall.

As part of the celebration, members of MPP led by its president Ch Shamjai Singh paid floral tribute to a portrait of former MP Yumnam Yaima.

Similarly, the Manipuri Department of Manipur University (MU) also celebrated the 32nd Manipuri Language Day at its Conference Hall in MU, Imphal.

It was attended by Prof Nahakpam Aruna, Dean, School of Humanities, MU; Prof Toijam Tampha, Head, Manipuri Department, MU; Prof L Birjit; faculty members and students of the Department.