DIMAPUR — A state-level Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav
2024, a vibrant celebration of India’s linguistic and cultural diversity, was
celebrated at Morung Hall of the Directorate of School Education in Kohima on
Wednesday on the theme "Unity through languages."
Speaking at the programme as a special guest, Member of
Nagaland Legislative Assembly (MLA) and advisor of School Education &
SCERT, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, said that language plays an important and
powerful role in the society as it signifies one's identity and culture. He
urged the people to focus more in promoting the rich culture through language
instead of keeping the mother language in danger, a DIPR report stated.
During the Indian languages festival, a note on language
development in Nagaland was highlighted by Dr. Mimi Kevichusa Ezung, associate
professor of Tenyidie at Nagaland University. Dr. Mimi made a clarion call to
all the tribal literature boards to give more interest in making their orally
stories, folklore etc. in documented form to keep one's language and culture
alive.
Thavaseelan K, principal director of School Education and
chairperson of the event, said that celebrating Indian languages festival is a
week-long event to celebrate the diversity of Indian languages and culture with
an aim to promote the learning of Indian languages, celebrate cultural
diversity and promote sense of unity and harmony among the people of India.
The national anthem was presented by the students of Dr. NK
GHSS Seikhazou, while a life sketch of C Subramanian Bharati was read out by
Grace Sote, a student of PM Shri GHS, New Market, Kohima.
Poetry recitation was presented by T Toihon Konyak in Konyak
language, Rungshetom Yimkhiung in Yimkhiung language and a student of TM GHSS
in Tenyidie language. Cultural presentation was performed by students of GHSS,
Jotsoma
In a related programme, Nagaland University (NU), Kohima
campus, also observed Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav.
The celebrations highlighted the importance of regional
languages in fostering national unity and cultural identity.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. GT Thong, pro
vice-chancellor of NU, Kohima campus, stated that institutes across India are
celebrating the festival. He added that the festival would feature a variety of
activities including storytelling, skits and plays that bring India's
linguistic richness to life.
“These initiatives aim to preserve and promote India's
vibrant linguistic and cultural heritage. This festival reminds us of the
immense cultural wealth our country possesses. Each language is a reflection of
our shared heritage and it is our duty to preserve and promote this diversity
for future generations,” he said.
Prof. Jano, dean of School of Humanities and Education,
emphasised on the role of Indian languages in strengthening social harmony and
the importance of multilingual education. She stressed that celebrating the
occasion not only promotes perfection in one's mother tongue but also fosters
multilingualism by embracing India's diverse linguistic landscape.
She further added that such celebration enhances the spirit
of unity and diversity, allowing languages to coexist creatively and be
nurtured in an enjoyable way.
It stated that Nagaland University, with its diverse campus
community representing languages from Indo-Aryan, Dravidian, Tibeto-Burman,
Austro-Asiatic and isolated language families like Japanese, provided a unique
backdrop for the celebration.
Dr. Anuj Kumar, assistant professor of Hindi department,
pointed out the importance of multilingualism and diversity of culture. He
added that such event sensitises and make students aware of the linguistic
diversity and propagate unity and harmony among other languages.
The day-long festivities featured a variety of engaging
activities including Manipuri and Rajastani dance, Chokri, Tenyidie folk songs,
Ao, Lotha, Telugu, Japanese poetry recitations, Dogri, Bangla and Odiya songs
among others representing different linguistic communities of the country.
The programme culminated with showcasing the traditional
attires and sharing its significance by different linguistics community. The
celebration also showcased cuisines from all the regions of the country.
