Upgrade of Manipuri stressed on Language Day
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, August 20 2025: In commemoration of the inclusion of Manipuri Language in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution on August 20, 1992, the 34th Manipuri Language Day celebration was held at the auditorium of Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), Palace Compound, here, on Wednesday.

The function organised by Manipuri Language Day State Level Celebration Committee in collaboration with Department of Art & Culture and Directorate of Language Planning and Implementation, was attended by Lok Sabha ex-member Dr Th Meinya, Art and Culture ex-minister Dr M Nara, former MoS for Education and External Affairs Dr RK Ranjan and former MoS and Observation Committee chairman Prof Meijinlung Kamson as presidium members.

Celebration Committee convenor Lei-haothabam Saratchandra, members of Committee comprising 17 organisations and invitees also attended the function.

Upgrade of Manipuri stressed on Language Day

Brief notes on Manipuri language were deliberated upon by Manipur University Anthropology Department retired professor W Nabakumar Singh and Linguistic Department retired professor Yashawanta Singh with both speakers stressing the need to ponder on the deteriorating status of Manipuri language, in order to uplift its culture as both culture and language are co-related.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Th Mein-ya emphasised the richness and cultural significance of Meeteilon (language), stating that Manipur, being home to diverse communities with different dialects, has always required a common language for communication, and Meeteilon has played this vital role as lingua franca.

Stressing on the need for a stronger institutional framework to safeguard and promote indigenous languages, Dr Meinya suggested that the Directorate of Language, currently under the Department of Education (Schools), be brought under the Ministry of Home, to help bridge existing gaps and strengthen language preservation efforts.

Highlighting the importance of a comprehensive language policy, Dr Meinya urged that Manipur should frame a policy similar to other states.

He pointed out that although Meeteilon is recognised in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, it has not yet been accorded the status of a classical language, unlike Nepali and Konkani, which are already enjoying recognition under the Language Act.

Dr Meinya then appealed to authorities concerned for greater efforts and collective commitment to achieve the long-pending demand for Meeteilon's recognition as a classical language and the formulation of a robust language policy for the state.

In his speech, Dr RK Ranjan, recognising the struggle and sacrifices of all the language activists, said that the language movement should be a historic moment.

Manipuri language meets the criteria to be included in the classical language as there are records spanning 1,500 to 2,000 years.

Stating that Manipuri language has been published as an endangered language, he noted the importance of encouraging people to speak their own mother tongue either in institutions or while conversing among themselves.

"It is also our responsibility to improve and develop our own language," he maintained.

"In order to develop our language, we need to take pledge to speak our own mother tongue with pride, speak across borders and to include it in the classical language.

We all should remember Language Day and support our own mother tongue", he added.

In his presidential speech, Committee chairman Prof Meijinlung Kamson said that the beauty and richness of Meeteilon is evident from the books and novels.

"There is need to expand the horizon of the language as a lingua franca of the state resided by different communities with different dialects," he observed.

He then stressed on the importance of giving attention to nurture Manipuri language as a lingua franca to bring unity among the different communities.

When one speaks the same language, there will be peace, love and unity, he expressed.

Speaking on the occasion, Celebration Committee convenor Leihaothabam Sharatchandra recounted how the movement to include Manipuri in the Eight Schedule began in 1980 with the formation of Manipuri Language Demand Coordinating Committee, and the struggles associated with it.

The movement was support by all political parties and it finally tasted success on August 20, 1992 when the parliament approved the inclusion of Manipuri language, he added.

"While there is no harm in learning other languages, there is a need to encourage the emerging generation to love and respecting their mother tongue," the convenor maintained, opining that parents should shoulder the responsibility of promoting the language and encouraging their children converse in their mother tongue.

He then stressed the need for preserving and promoting own mother tongue, while raising concern that any lack of action in the matter could lead to the disappearance of the same.

Highlighting the need for a policy in this regard, Sharatchandra stated that Manipuri is not just spoken by the Meetei/Meities and stressed the need to promote the same.

He then expressed belief that the day would be celebrated with more grandeur in the coming years.

On the other hand, the Directorate of Language Planning and Implementation celebrated the 34th Manipuri Language Day at the conference hall of Directorate of Education (U) on Wednesday.

The celebration was attended by the joint director and staff members of the Directorate, informed a release issued by its director Laishram Radhakanta.