Educational institutions across Nagaland mark International Mother Language Day 2026 with cultural events and speeches.
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DIMAPUR — Educational institutions across Nagaland celebrated Mother Language Day 2026 in their respective campuses.
Nagaland University: Nagaland University (NU) celebrated the day at the Administrative Complex’ conference hall with Prof. B Kilangla Jamir, VC in-charge as the chief guest.
In her address, Prof. Kilangla asserted that the mother language is a crucial aspect of one’s identity, the university stated in an update.
Emphasising the significance of preserving and promoting mother languages, she urged everyone to strengthen their languages, improvising if required, to develop their identities and encouraged the younger generation to take the mother language to a higher level.
Dr. Neizo Puro, Dept. of Botany, NU, exhorted the participants to save and propagate one’s mother language by tracing back to the history and development of language.
He said “Though there is strive in family and nation, when we can speak our own dialect or language, it is easier to maintain oneness, peace and harmony.”
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The programme was chaired by Dr. Rumi Dhar, Department of Law. The event was attended by faculty, officers, staff members, research scholars, and students.
ICFAI University: The Forum for Cultural Studies (FoCuS) of ICFAI University Nagaland, in collaboration with the IQAC of the university, observed International Mother Language Day at the unvesrity’s campus.
Dr. Temsurenla Ozukum, Assistant Professor, delivered the welcome address, while Temjenwapang Jamir (BCA 4th Semester) presented a poetry recitation, and Akumtola Yaden (MA English 2nd Semester) performed a special number.
The results of a ‘Reel Contest’ were also announced during the programme, with MA 4th Semester emerging as the winners, highlighting students’ creative engagement in celebrating linguistic and cultural diversity.
Oriental College: The Department of Tenyidie, Oriental College Kohima, observed International Mother Language Day on Friday at the IQAC room, emphasising the need to preserve and promote mother tongues as a vital marker of identity.
Speaking at the event, Khriesaneisa Rutsa, Programme Executive Coordinator of Akashvani Kohima, expressed concern over the declining number of people speaking their native languages.
He noted that this trend affects young children’s ability to understand and speak their mother tongue and warned that fewer speakers in the future could weaken linguistic and cultural heritage.
Stressing that safeguarding one’s language is a collective responsibility, he urged students and faculty to take ownership of their linguistic roots.
Highlighting challenges faced by singers and writers, Rutsa observed that many feel compelled to use English or Nagamese to reach wider audiences. However, he encouraged students to learn other languages while consistently speaking and writing in their mother tongue.
“Language binds people and helps people understand one another,” he said, urging everyone not to become strangers to their own language or community.
Altogether, 28 students and five faculty members attended the programme, which emphasised the importance of fostering cultural pride and strengthening identity through the preservation and promotion of mother languages.
MGM College: MGM College observed International Mother Language Day with a culturally vibrant programme on the theme “Multilingualism in the Present Age,” underscoring the need to preserve mother tongues and promote linguistic diversity in an increasingly globalised world.
The programme was chaired by Meribemo Yanthan, who in his welcome address emphasised the intrinsic link between language, culture, and identity, stating that a mother tongue is the soul of a community.
Adding cultural richness to the celebration, 6th Semester students presented a Mizo song, reflecting India’s diverse linguistic heritage.
Jemsungba Walling, Assistant Professor, Department of English and IQAC coordinator, highlighted the global significance of the day and stressed the shared responsibility of individuals and institutions in safeguarding indigenous languages.
He noted that true multilingualism involves not only learning multiple languages but also respecting the cultures they embody, cautioning that the loss of a language means the loss of a part of humanity.
A Folk Narrative Competition was a key highlight, with participants narrating folktales from their respective communities, showcasing rich oral traditions.
Meanwhile Pranab Vidyapith Hr. Sec. School, Dimapur, also observed the day in a befitting manner.