Orenthung Lotha releasing the ‘Anthology of Lotha prose’ on
the occasion of Lotha Language Day in Wokha town on Thursday.
WOKHA — Following
successful celebration of the Lotha Language Festival in Wokha in 2024, the
Lotha Academy officially declared May 1 as Lotha Language Day starting from
2025.
To mark the occasion, a programme was held at Don Bosco
Youth Centre on Thursday with Orenthung Lotha, president of the Lotha Officers’
Association (LOA) as the special guest. Lotha Language Day was also
simultaneously observed in Kohima and Dimapur.
Speaking on the occasion, Orenthung Lotha stated that
language is the strongest thread connecting the community and asserted that
speaking one’s language is an integral part of one’s identity.
In the Naga context, he pointed out that Tenyidie has
progressed significantly, even up to the doctorate level. He expressed concern
that many Nagas have lost opportunities in sectors such as the Postal
department especially Dak Sevak and All India Radio due to the absence of a
recognised third language. He mentioned that the government is now working
towards recognising a third language in Nagaland, which could benefit Nagas and
help create job opportunities.
He urged the church leaders to collaborate with the Lotha
Academy and contribute towards the community. He cited instance of late Rev. NT
Murry for his contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic in translating
essential materials.
Highlighting Sunday school as a meaningful starting point
for language learning, he encouraged the Lotha Academy to collaborate and seek
support whenever needed to promote and preserve the language.
In his greetings, president of Lotha Students’ Union,
Lirhonthung E Kithan, emphasised the importance of preserving Lotha language by
describing it as their identity and culture. With numerous dictionaries
displaying different spellings for the same words, he urged everyone to adopt a
commonly accepted version to avoid confusion.
Chairman of the Lotha Literature Committee, Thungjamo
Tsanglao, stated that learning a language requires sincere effort and interest.
He has termed it unfortunate and embarrassing when individuals cannot speak or
write their own language. He stated that it should be the responsibility of
every Lotha to actively learn their language as it forms the foundation of
their identity.
He also encouraged inculcating the habit of learning one’s
mother tongue from an early age and cautioned against diluting the originality
of the language. He warned that prioritising another language could lead to the
loss of one’s cultural heritage and identity.
On the occasion, ‘Anthology of Lotha prose,’ published by
the Lotha Academy, was officially launched by Orenthung Lotha, while Y Zubemo Ezung
illustrated song and prayer of the Lotha ancestors.
As part of the celebration, a folk song competition was
conducted among schools in Wokha, wherein GHS Wokha village secured first
position, followed by Isaiah Ability Higher Secondary School and Gilgal School
in second and third positions respectively.
