Upgrade of Manipuri, safeguard of endangered languages stressed
Emotional attachment key to conserve, promote a language: Saratchandra
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 21 2023: In commemoration of the inclusion of Manipuri language in the 8th schedule of the Indian Constitution, Directorate of Regional Indian Languages and Research, Manipur International University (DRILR, MIU) organised the 32nd Manipuri Language Day at its Ghari conference hall on Sunday.

As a part of the celebration, the Prof Dr R Subbakrishna Memorial Community Linguist Award 2023 was conferred to Yumnam Nouba for his overall contribution to Manipuri language related issues and revitalisation of indigenous scripts referred to as 'Yelhou Mayek' .

Speaking on the Occasion, DRILR dean Prof Thokchom Chandramani Singh appealed to the authority concerned to honour other lesser known languages and endangered languages of Manipur spoken by indigenous communities but have less that 5000 population as per the 2011 census such as Purum (278), Tarao (1,066), Koireng (1,873), Kharam (1, 144), Moyon (2, 516), Monshang (2, 427), Aimol (3, 190), Thangal (4,475) and Chothe (3,585) .

He further stressed that a linguistic survey of Manipur is badly needed to identify and determine the actual number of languages spoken in the state and take steps for the preservation.

According to MIU chancellor Harikumar Pallathadka, Manipur State Language Commission & State Language Policy is for the preservation and promotion of not only Manipuri, an advanced language which has been already proposed for granting the classical language status under the Indian Union but also other non-schedule languages of Manipur.

He also called for collective effort to include Manipuri script in the currency notes of India.

As a part of the language day celebration, a panel discussion on "Mother tongue from Indigenous perspective, our language, our pride" was conducted.

Meanwhile, Wakhallon Mannaba Apunba (WAMA), Kangleipak also celebrated the 32nd Manipuri language day at its Tera head office, here, on Sunday.

The event was attended by WAMA president Moirangthem Naokhamba Meetei and KLAM president Thiyam Silleima as presidium members.

Poetry recitation was also organised as a part of the celebration, a release issued by WAMA informed.

At another Manipuri Language Day celebration, Manipuri Language Day State Level Celebration Committee convenor Leihaothabam Saratchandra asserted that Manipur language will remain alive as long as Manipuris continue to speak it.

He also categorically pointed out that emotional attachment is key to conserve and promote a language and has called for promoting Manipuri language by all during celebration of 32nd Manipuri Language Day held to commemorate the day Manipuri (Meeteilol) language was listed in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution of India on this day in 1992 .

The celebration was organised by the committee at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound, here, on Sunday.

Addressing the gathering, Saratchandra said that Manipuri language is the mother language for Meeteis and the lingua franca in the state.

Efforts are being made to get classical language status for Manipuri language and once the status is achieved, there would be more opportunities to promote the language, he said.

He also expressed concern over the fate of the language as well as the career of those in the performing arts in the aftermath of the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Saratchandra also called for promoting the languages of all the indigenous communities in the state alongside the promotion of Manipuri language.

Every person should think of promoting their mother language as one of their primary duties, he stressed.

Speaking on the occasion, Naharol Sahitya Premi Samiti president Naoroibam Indramani pointed out that Manipuri is not just the language of Meeteis but a common language for all the 34/35 communities in the state.

It is one of the languages in the category of international languages as it is also spoken in Bangladesh, Myanmar, Tripura, Assam and several other countries, he said and called upon all Manipuri speakers to play their part in promoting the language.

Manipuri Sahitya Parishad Imphal president Longjam Joychandra, Cultural Forum Manipur president Huirem Behari, Manipur State Shumang Leela Council lifetime president Ph Gunachandra, Film Forum Manipur chairman L Surjakanta and Writers' Union, Imphal president Syed Ahmed also attended the observance as presidium members.

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