DIMAPUR — The second inter-unit literary competition on the theme ‘Promoting multilingual education: literacy for mutual understanding and peace,’ was held at Sare Memorial Hall, Eastern Mission High School, Chizami village, Phek district, on October 5.
The programme brought together more than 260 participants, including village leaders, head of various institutions, teachers, former presidents, sponsors, students, invitees, other dignitaries and well-wishers, an update stated.
The inter-unit literary competition is a biennial event organised by the Chizami Range Students’ Union (CRSU) comprising of Chizami Students’ Union, Chizami Town Chakhesang Students’ Union, Enhulumi (Yoseba/Pfütsemi) Students’ Union, Mesulumi Students’ Union, Sumi Village Students’ Union, and Thetsumi Students’ Union.
The event was a collective effort to nurture and promote local talents while staying rooted in indigenous mores and cultures through different competitions viz., oral folktale, poetry recitation, debate, poetry writing, essay writing, sketching, painting, photography, indigenous duet with tati, solo and quartet.
The speaker, Medongu Chirhah, Asst. Registrar of Nagaland University, Lumami, quipped that “we give so much importance to English and neglect our own mother tongue.”
He said that multilingual education is the use of multiple languages in teaching and learning and is a key part of education system in countries with linguistic diversities like India. In Nagaland too, some tribes including the Chakhesang community have diversity of dialects.
He also stressed the importance of multilingual education as it helps in enriching cultures and global understanding, enhancing cognitive abilities and giving global career opportunities, improving academic performances, effective communication across borders, fostering respect for diversity and brings unity. He also stated the advantages of learning new languages.
Chirhah urged the students to learn and preserve their own dialects and take them as an alternative subject wherever available, as embracing multiple languages fosters a deeper connection to Naga culture and heritage.
The academician further challenged the students to learn how to read and write in their own native dialect before it is too late.
Rukewete K Edemi, president of Chizami Students’ Union and convenor of Chizami Range Students’ Union, in his welcome address, said that “Literature is a universal language that transcends borders and connects us.”
He expressed his appreciation to the guest speakers whose commitment and insights would foster peace and understanding and undoubtedly inspire all and enlighten the gathering on how to harness the power of multilingual education for a brighter and more inclusive future.
Pfhülo Sara, president of Chakhesang Students’ Union, in his exhortation, said that it was encouraging to see a platform being provided to young people to perform and nurture their talents.
Wekhrope Akami, Asst. Director of Industries and Commerce, the speaker for the second session, emphasised on the importance of being honest with oneself, with others and with God.
He urged the gathering to analyse themselves, identify their weaknesses and to correct their weaknesses and grow. He also stressed on the importance of time management and also encouraged the students to choose good friends who will help them grow positively.
Khrolhiwe-u Tsühah, media secretary of CYF and former president of Chizami Students’ Union, in her greetings, stated that the knowledge and experiences gained as students will not just transform and shape the future of the individual but the future of the community.
The results of the various competitions were declared by Khropfolo-u Lasuh, president of Thetsumi Students’ Union while the prizes were distributed by the various dignitaries present.
The programme was chaired by Mecie Therie, president of Mesulumi Students’ Union.