Tribal Languages Day held, Dy CM cuts short Director's speech
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 08 2014 : Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam stated that different languages and dialects of the State are integral parts of the State's cultural heritage.

Enriching and developing the various languages and dialects of the State would gradually help in strengthening and enriching the official language of the State.

The Dy CM was speaking as chief guest at the first Tribal Languages Day cum workshop on literary progress of tribal languages or- ganised by the Council of Tri-bal Languages and Literature Societies, Manipur at TRI today.

He said languages could be enriched and nurtured by borrowing, acquiring and adopting words or vocabularies of others.

Gaikhangam also expressed confidence that the opening of a separate directorate for Language Planning and Implementation under the Education Dept would surely be a good beginning for nurturing and promoting dialects and languages of different ethnic communities of the State.

Dy CM Gaikhangam and other dignitaries presiding the function

He also asserted that the State Govt has been making sustained efforts to develop, preserve and promote all languages and dialects of the State without any discrimination or distinction.

The programme was held under the sponsorship of Tribal Research Institute, Manipur.

The programme was attended amongst others by Kh Raghumani Singh, Director, Language Planning and Implementation, Manipur and Dr L Mahabir Singh, Joint Director, Language Planning and Implementation as the president and guest of honour respectively.

Giving the keynote address, Ragongning Gangmei, chairman, CTLLS said that language is the most important element for asserting and preserving one's identity.

Unity of indigenous languages would bring a new social order in the State.

Interactions on issues and challenges confronting the growth and development of tribal languages of the State was held besides discussion on the process of approval of tribal languages for introduction in the State's education system.

Representatives of most of the tribal literature societies gave brief literary progress reports of their respective communities during the programme.

Prominent tribal singers belted out special numbers during the occasion.

The workshop was moderated by Adibou Newmai, Associate Prof; Tongneilal Vaiphei, Associate Prof and Majaguiru Kamsonmeipui.

However, in a sudden development, Dy CM Gaikhangam cut short Dr Th Chandramani, Tribal Language Planner Project Director, Centre for Tribal and Endangered Languages during his speech in the function for his reported 'uncouth' behaviour and mannerism.

The Dy CM was reportedly provoked when Chandramani used impolite words and discourteous gestures during his speech.

The Dy CM instantly told him to behave and asked him to discontinue his speech.

Later, Dr Chandramani reportedly apologised to the Dy CM for the incident.