International Mother Language Day celebrated widely

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Feb 21 : As observed across the globe, International Mother Language Day was celebrated widely in the State today to spread awareness about the importance of linguistic, cultural diversity, and multilingualism.
Sahitya Thoupang Lup (Sathoulup) celebrated International Mother Language Day at Manipur Legislative Assembly & Archives Auditorium, Old Assembly Road, Imphal.
It was attended by Manipur Legislative Assembly, Secretary, Karam Meghajit Singh and Pettigrew College Ukhrul, Senior Assistant Professor, Dr H Shimreingam as presidium members.
During the event, the Khumbongmayum Gourahari Madhumati Mother Language Award for the year 2024 was conferred to Robinson Moyon in recognition of his relentless efforts for the upliftment of Manipuri & Moyon languages and culture.
The award carries a cash prize of Rs 10, 000, citation and shawl.
A poetry book titled "Wangmada Satpi Thadoi" authored by Chingtham Ronikumar Singh and published by Sahitya Akademi was also released.
Later, a poetry reading session was also conducted.
Meetei Erol Eyek Loinasillol Apunba Lup (MEELAL), Kangleipak also celebrated International Mother Language Day at MEELAL Mayai Loisang in Imphal.
It was attended by MEELAL president Kh Ingocha, vice president Waikhom Gojen Meetei and M Meiraba Meetei as presidium members.
MEELAL secretary general Langoljam Nongmailembi Leima delivered the keynote address on the occasion.
Similarly, the Directorate of Language Planning & Implementation, Government of Manipur, also celebrated International Mother Language Day at Manipur Press Club on the theme, "Multilingual education is a pillar of intergenerational learning".
It was attended by L Radhakanta Singh, Director, Language Planning & Implementation, Manipur; Dr Waikhom Romesh, Head of Department, Manipuri Department, GP Women's College, Dhanamanjuri University and Sahitya Akademi awardee Dr Thokchom Ibohanbi Singh as presidium members.
The programme began with the lighting of candles followed by a welcome & keynote address delivered by L Radhakanta Singh.
At the event, the dignitaries elaborated on the need to promote the mother language and urged all to converse more in their mother tongue instead of Hindi or English.
They also shared that imparting knowledge to students in their mother languages would be more productive as envisaged by National Education Policy 2020.
Moreover, Manipuri Department, Manipur University also organised the celebration of  International Mother Language Day 2024 and One Day National Seminar on "Language & Literature" at the premises of the Department today.
It was attended by Prof N Lokendra Singh, Vice Chancellor, Mainpur University; Prof S Imoba Singh, Dean, School of Humanities, Manipur University; Prof S Sanatombi, former Vice Chancellor (i/c), Manipur University; and Prof L Birjita Devi, Head, Manipuri Department, Manipur University as presidium members.
Dr Longjam Anand Singh delivered the keynote address while the vote of thanks was proposed by Prof K Shantibala Devi.
The One Day Seminar which was conducted in two sessions- Morning & Evening Parallel, was attended by about 20 persons.