State observes International Mother Language Day
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 21 2022:
As in other parts of the world, International Mother Language Day was observed across the state by various organisations, departments and CSOs on Monday.
Observing the event at Ma nipur Press Club here, Sahitya Thoupang Lup (SATHOU Lup) presented this year's Khumbongmayum Gourahari Madhumati Mother Language Award to language activist Makhonmani Mongshaba.
The Award consisted or Rs 10,000, citation and shawl.
Speaking on the occasion, Makhonmani noted that seven to eight languages from Manipur are included in a report on endangered languages of the world released by UNESCO which mentioned that along with languages of various smaller communities of Manipur 'Meeteilon' too is staring at imminent extinction.
Observing that in this age of technology media has become all powerful, Makhonmani Mongshaba stressed that the 'Meeteilon' spoken by anchors in electronic media should be very carefully monitored.
Media and people working in various other fields should take a major responsibility in protecting it, he added.
Delivering the keynote speech, SATHOU Lup advisor Saratchand Thiyam stated that our mother tongue shows our identity and with this view, the Lup has been presenting award every year to language activists in appreciation of their work towards promotion of their mother language.
The 15th issue of SATHOU Lup's journal Shaklon' was also released as a part of the event attended by Manipur University of Culture VC Prof Paonam Gunindro as chief guest and AMWJU president Wangkhemcha Shyamjai as president.
Later, a poet's meet was also held with the participation of 22 poets.
Meanwhile, MEELAL and DESAM jointly observed International Mother Language Day at Sagolband Thingom Leikai community hall under the theme 'Emalolda mahei masin tamba houhangadabani'.
Speaking at the programme, MEELAL secretary general Huirem Loikhomba Meetei regretted that those who cleared the Meetei Mayek TET 2016 have not yet been given teaching jobs and Meetei Mayek question papers have not been included in UGC NET and UPSC exams.
As soon as the state assembly election is over, MEELAL will launch agitation to address these issues, he added.
The observance was also attended by MEELAL president Yanglem Biren; Sichuan University, China research scholar Konjengbam Chingkheinganba and DESAM president Leis-hangthem Lamyanbana as presidium members.
At the end of the function, a rally was taken out from the programme venue and it passed through Sagolband Moirang Leirak, Samu Makhong, Paona Keithel, Keishampat, Kwakeithel, etc., before culminating at the starting point.
On the other hand, Research forum Manipur (REFORM) observed International Mother Language Day at Manipur Legislative Assembly Archives & Museum auditorium with REFORM former president Dr N Birchandra, president Dr Mangsatabam Lokendro and Mutua Museum director Mutua Bahadur as presidium members.
Similarly, Manipur State Commission for the Scheduled Tribe (MACST) and UNESCO Club Manipur jointly observed International Mother Language Day at Manipur Press Club.
As a part of the programme, (L) Prof Subbakrishna Memorial Journalist Awards were presented to Impact TV cameraperson Laimayum Subash alias Dodo Sharma and IS News senior reporter Ashangbam Bebita along with giving ap preciation certificates to 14 individuals working in various fields.
The programme was attended by MACST chairperson in-charge Dr Tara Manchin Hangzo, UNESCO Club Manipur joint secretary Dr Ch Chandramani, veteran journalist and language activist Leihaotabam Saratchandra and leaders of various communities.
International Mother Language Day was also observed by Meetei Students' Association, Kangleipak (MEESAK) at Manipur University Department of Anthropology conference hall and MU Manipuri Department at the department premises, while Directorate of Language Planning and Implementation organised a one-day symposium on 'Using Technology for Multilingual Learning: Challenges and Opportunities' at SCERT campus multipurpose hall, Lamphelpat as a part of the observance.
The symposium was attended by Manipur University of Culture VC Prof P Gunindro as chief guest; Language Planning and Implementation director Th Chitra as president and veteran journalist Leihaothabam Saratchandra as guest of honour.
As a part of the programme, a poetry recitation and telling of short stories by research scholars was held.
MU Linguistic Department professor N Pramodini and Manipuri Department assistant professor Dr N Sanatomba also presented papers on mother language on the occasion.
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