Educational institutions observe ‘Mother Language Day’

KOHIMA — Educational institutions in Nagaland observed ‘International Mother Language Day’ on Wednesday on the theme “Multilingual education: a pillar of learning and intergenerational understanding.”

In Kohima, the English and Tenyidie departments of Capital College of Higher Education (CCHE) observed the day at the college campus. An update from the college stated that creation of a multilingual cookbook activity was conducted as part of the celebration.

It stated the participating students were organised into nine language groups representing the diversity of the college community including Ao, Chakhesang, Angami, Sumi, Lotha, Bihari, Bodo Kachari, Khiamiungan and Konyak. It added that each language group was assigned the task of contributing a recipe for a special dish that holds cultural or community significance.

Report stated that the Ao group presented “Anishi with smoked pork” recipe, while the Chakhesang group showcased three unique recipes namely “Thüvo Lünyo” (pork innards with blood), “Khu Ganyo” (fish curry) and “Nüna” (snail dish), the Angami group presented “Gazhie Galho” recipe, the Sumi group presented “smoked pork with axone” dish.

It stated that the Bihari group added sweet touch with “Kheer Puri” recipe and the Bodo Kachari group presented “rice cake baked from aluminum water jar.” The Khiamiungan group presented a tantalising chutney-based cuisine called “Kian Pan,” while the Lotha group presented “Machihan” (dry fish chutney) and the Konyak group showcased a traditional festival dish “Nyaram” featuring a vegetable leaf used in preparation of various meat-based curries.

It stated that the activity proved to be a delightful and educational experience, generating enthusiasm and learning opportunities for all participants. It further added that the multilingual cookbook also marked the celebration of linguistic diversity and cultural richness, emphasising the importance of preserving and promoting mother languages.

Meanwhile, Pranab Vidyapith Higher Secondary School (PVHSS) in Dimapur observed the day by organising a special programme to celebrate the linguistic diversity and promote the importance of preserving mother tongues.

The event witnessed speeches by Rupakshi Biswas in English, Tanson Ynelen  of class 9 in Ao, Antara Dey of class 10 in Bengali, Gyanjit Luwang of class 9 in Manipuri and Akita H Chaphy of class 9 in Sumi. A song was also performed by Sudiptam Das of class 10, stated an update from the school.

“Our mother tongues are an integral part of our cultural identities,” said the school principal, Monoj Bhattacharjee in his address.

He added that the day’s event highlighted the rich tapestry of languages within the school community and also stressed on the need to protect the precious heritage.

In addition to the performances by students, faculty member Ranu Purkayastha also spoke about embracing linguistic diversity.

It mentioned that ‘International Mother Tongue Day’ is observed annually on February 21 with an aim to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism around the world.

Nagaland University (NU) marked “International Mother Language Day 2024” with a vibrant and culturally enriched celebration at its headquarters in Lumami under Zunheboto district.

The event witnessed the presence of vice chancellor, Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, as the chief guest, and the registrar, Dr. Abemo, as the special guest. The programme was also attended by faculty members, administrative staff and students.

An update from the university stated that the event was hosted by Dr. Suraj Beri, while the welcome address was delivered by Kahoshe Sumi and songs were presented by Chanbenthung Lotha, Catherine and Miss Vieneite-u.

It stated that Dr. Deepak Bhaskar delivered a short speech on the significance of the day, while Prof. Dasrathi Bhuyan spoke on the importance of linguistic diversity and cultural heritage and Lalan Kumar Jha expressed his creativity through a poetic performance.

In recognition of academic excellence, prizes and certificates were awarded to the winners of the quiz competition. It added that the celebration not only highlighted the linguistic diversity within the university community but also fostered a sense of unity.

Along with the Centre for Naga Tribal Language Studies (CNTLS), NU Kohima campus also celebrated ‘International Mother Language day 2024.”

It stated that Dr. Laishram Bijenkumar Singh and Dr. Imlienla Imchen from the centre delivered speeches on the importance of mother tongue in line with the UNESCO’s theme.