International Mother Language Day observed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 21 2026: Many notable organisations and institutions of the State, including Manipuri Students' F ederation (MSF), Wakhallon Mannaba Apunba (WAMA), Patriotic Writers' Forum (PAWF) Manipur, Naorem Birahari College and Sahitya Thoupang Lup observed International Mother Language Day today in their own capacity.

MSF

In commemoration of International Mother Language Day, the Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF) organised a human chain protest along the Tiddim Road in front of Imphal College demanding availability of all textbooks upto college and university level in Manipuri language.

The main demands of MSF include swift and decisive steps from the Manipur Government to protect and promote the Manipuri language, reopening of Manipuri medium schools/ institutions shuttered by the Government, introducing Manipuri language dictionary and encyclopedia among others.

Speaking in this connection, MSF president Hijam Roshan, shared that the student body submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand yesterday highlighting their demands to save and promote the Manipuri language.

International Mother Language Day observed

NB College

The Department of Linguistics, Naorem Birahari College, Khundrakpam in collaboration with the English Department and IQ AC organised an observation of International Mother Language Day today at the multipurpose hall of the College.

The event was attended by Prof P Madhubala (retd) as the chief guest; Dr I Kunjabati, Principal i/c, NB College as the president and Y Pratima, secretary.

Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff Association; S Ibemcha Chanu, Teacher Representative, NB College; M Gyaneshwori, Head and former IQAC Co-ordinator and Dr S Sanjeev, Coordinator IQAC as the guests of honour.

Dr N Pritamkumar, Head, Department of Linguistics, NB College delivered the key note address.

The chief guest also gifted a few books written by her to NB College library on the occasion.

WAMA

As observed across the globe today, Wakhallon Mannaba Apunba (WAMA) also celebrated International Mother Language Day at AG Memorial Academy.

Notable dignitaries include WAMA leader Moirangthem Naokhamba; social worker Jackson Kongbam; All Manipur Students Guardian Association president Sumati; AG Memorial Academy Principal Thiyam Master as the presidium members.

On the occasion, Moirangthem Naokhamba said that many developed countries in the world use their mother language as their lingua franca.

Countries like China and Japan use their mother languages in education and are also large manufacturing hubs the world depends on.

It is beneficial to learn Hindi and English, but it is important to use one's own language as much as possible, he opined.

PAWF

Patriotic Writers Forum (PAWF) celebrated International Mother Language at Thangjing Hall of Manipur Press Club, Imphal today accompanied by the presentation of literary awards to four writers of the State.

The event was attended by Tribal Affairs and Hills Department Joint Secretary Ngangom Uttam as the chief guest; PAWF, Manipur president Naoroibam Khamba Luwang as the functional president and Biramangol College Manipuri Department HOD Dr Laishram Landhoni as the guest of honour.

PAWF Manipur secretary Rakesh Naorem was also present on the occasion.

As a part of the event, floral tributes were offered before the photos of Arambam Ibungohal and Binodkumari.

Pacha Meitei, R Kathing Tangkhul and Dr Saroj Nalini Arambam Parratt.

On the occasion, the Arambam Ibungohal & Binodkumari Literary Award 2025 was conferred to Thokchom Dollarsen for his work of poetry "Ootangbigi Lamdamda".

The award is given young poets below 35 years of age.

Meanwhile, Binapani Thokchom received the Pacha Meetei Literary Award 2026 for her short story "Ahouba Khongthang"; Dr Saroj Nalini Arambam Parratt Literary Award 2026 was awarded to Ashem Regina for her work "Kathokpa Heibi Yaibirenbi" and Sarat Salam was honoured with R Kathing Tangkhul Literary Award 2026 for "Landa Hinghoubagi" .

Sahitya Thoupang Lup

Sahitya Thoupang Lup handed over the Khumbongmayum Gourahari Madhumati Mother Language Award for 2026 to language activist Asoso Kholi on the occasion of International Mother Language Day.

The celebration was held at the auditorium of State Central Library today.

The award comes with Rs 10,000 in cash, shawl and citation.

Notable dignitaries present include Manipur University of Culture Vice Chancellor Prof Paonam Gunindro, Kabui Sahitya Samiti president Dangmei Lungpuijei Kabui and Sahitya Thoupang Lup president Tongbram Amarjit as the presidium members.

A poetry reading session was also conducted as part of today's ceremony chaired by Writers Union, Imphal president Arjun Kabir.

35 individuals presented their poems at the event.

It is worth noting that Asoso Kholi previously worked as programme executive at All India Radio Imphal.

He has written many Mao textbooks for Classes VII to XII .

Asoso Kholi has written a Mao language poetry book titled "Ai Vue" .

He has also translated 16 popular Manipuri short stories and published them in Mao language.

Moreover, he has finished compiling a Mao dictionary which will soon be published by Mao Academy.