Kolkata, 22 February (H.S): Loreto College in Kolkata organized a special event on Friday to mark the 25th anniversary of International Mother Language Day. The program highlighted linguistic diversity and the importance of mother tongues, with a special focus on the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of Northeast India.

Northeast India is known for its multilingualism and cultural unity. However, globalization has put many languages at risk of extinction. Language preservation is crucial for protecting cultural heritage, advancing education, and fostering a peaceful society. In this context, the college dedicated this year’s celebration to the linguistic and cultural diversity of Northeast India, aiming to raise awareness and respect for languages and traditions among students.

The chief guest of the event was Ramkumar Mukhopadhyay, former regional secretary of the Sahitya Akademi, former officer of the Visva-Bharati Granthan Vibhag, and a noted author. In his speech, he discussed the reasons behind language extinction and highlighted three languages from Northeast India that have managed to revive themselves despite the threat of disappearance. Nishi Pulugurtha was also present at the event.

Renowned Mizoram-based writer Malsawmi Jacob joined the program virtually. She spoke about the languages, scripts, usage, culture, and contemporary literature of various states in Northeast India. A student panel featuring five participants from Assam, Sylhet, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur shared insights into the history, diversity, folklore, and growing influence of their regional languages.

The event also featured captivating performances of Bengali music, a historical presentation on the language movement, and traditional dances from Northeast India. Additionally, an exhibition was held, showcasing information on the language movement, UNESCO’s theme for the year, and a linguistic map of Northeast India.

Hindusthan Samachar / S P Singh