International Mother Language Day observed across state
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 21 2023:
International Mother Language Day was observed by different organisations in different parts of the state on Tuesday.
Under the joint aegis of MEELAL and WAMA, the day was observed at Manipur Press Club here with MEELAL president Khaidem Ingo-cha, WAMA president M Naokhom-ba Meetei, HERICOUN president Longjam Ratan, Meetei Mayek expert Prof Ng Kangjiya Mangang, LEEPUN president Thokchom Somarendro and MEELAL advisor Moirangthem Naodalenkhomba attending as presidium members.
Speaking on the occasion, MEELAL general secretary N Nong-mailembi pointed out that language is one of the most important tools which identify a community and it is the development of one's language that makes the community advanced in all aspects.
According to the UNESCO report, there are around 7000 languages across the globe out of which 43 are on the verge of extinction.
In addition, with two languages getting extinct every other week, a total of 25 to 50 languages of the world are vanishing annually, Nongmailembi said, while recalling that the International Mother Language Day was proclaimed by the General Conference of UNESCO in November 1999 and adopted by the UN General Assembly in its resolution of 2002 .
On May 16, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution called upon Member States "to promote, preserve and protect all languages of the world" and the year 2008 named as Inter national Year of Language where different activities were taken for the promotion and protection of their respective mother tongues, Nongmailembi informed and added that since then the day is being observed under different themes.
This year's theme is "Multi-lingual Education - A necessity to transform education", she said and opined that the latest theme is strongly relevant with contemporary Manipuri society.
Nongmailembi said Manipur has different communities speaking different languages and it is very important for every community to contribute their mite in protecting and promoting their respective first language.
She also expressed disappoint -ment over the manner students are taught on the then British Empire's methodology and substantial number of students opting for alternative subjects instead of their mother tongue which is akin to disregarding their mother tongue and paying weightage to foreign languages.
"They take pride in speaking in English or Hindi but feel ashamed of conversing in their mother tongue.
This trend will eventually contribute to degeneration and extinction of our language.
Therefore, there is the need for the authority concerned to frame a policy for protecting and promoting our mother tongue," she suggested.
Meanwhile, the day was also observed under the joint aegis of AMSU, MSF, DESAM, KSA, SUK and AIMS at Manipur Press Club, here, with veteran journalist Leihaothabam Saratchandra, linguist Dr Thokchom Chandramani Singh and Nambol L Sanoi College assistant professor Dr Saikhom Rabi Singh as presidium members.
Sahitya Thoupang Lup also observed International Mother's Language Day at the auditorium of Manipur Legislative Assembly Museum and Archives located at Old Assembly Road with Dhanamanjuri University vice chancellor Prof N Rajmuhon Singh and Film Forum Manipur chairman Laimayum Surjakanta Sharma as chief guest and president respectively.
Along with presenting the Khumbongmayum Gourahari Madhumati Mother Language Award to language activist Mangpu Kilong comprising cash prize of Rs 10,000, citation and certificate, the function also had a multi lingual poets' meet wherein 21 poets from different communities including Kom, Tangkhul, Maring, Kabui and Nepali presented poems written in their respective mother tongues.
Khorirol Sandok Lup, Wangjing also organised international mother language day at its auditorium where a programme dedicated to late Sambadiiram Nandakishor Singh was also held.
The function was attended by Lup president Tongbram Babulal, Manipur Sahitya Parishad, Thoubal president Moirangthem Rajendra and Ningol Khut president Yumnam Isheihanbi Devi as presidium members.
The function was marked by re lease of books "Wari Macha Karamna Egani" (short story) and "Asi Leibakta Aeibasing" (Poem) written by Sanasam Bhorot and Laishram Jugeshor respectively.
Imphal College principal Dr Moirangthem Priyobarta shared his thoughts on the books while Tongbram Babulal and Saikhom Chaoba spoke on the topic of Manipuri language.
Later a poetry recitation session was facilitated during which 21 poets presented their poems.
On the other hand, Research Forum Manipur (REFORM), IQAC, Govt HTTC & HTTI Imphal jointly organised the International Mother Language Day at the HTTC Hall, DMU campus while LIPUL, PUYA, IKAL and MPPL observed the day at Sekta Mayai Leikai community hall.
The Department of English, Kamakhya Pemton College, Hiyangthang and IQAC organised a lecture programme at Nongin Seminar Hall as part of the International Mother Language Day.
The event was attended by Sahitya Akademi and State Kala Akademi awardee Yumlembam Ibomcha Singh and College principal Dr Wahengbam Nimai Singh and Department of English head Ashem Ghanapyari Devi as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
Manipur University of Culture (MUC), Department of Manipuri and Rupmahal Theatre, Imphal jointly observed International Mother Language Day at Rupmahal Theatre auditorium, Bir Tikendrajit Road, here, on Tuesday.
The observance was attended by Theatre's secretary Hidangmayum Achouba Sharma as chief guest, director Loitongbam Brajramuhon as guest of honour and MUC Manipuri HoD Dr Irengbam Tiken as president with Dr Makhonmani Mongsaba speaking on the theme of the observance as resource person.
The observance was also attended by MUC Department of Manipuri students and others.
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