Lotha Academy marks third Lotha Language Day in Wokha, promoting language preservation and cultural identity across districts.
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WOKHA — The Lotha Academy observed the third edition of Lotha Language Day on Friday, marking May 1 as the annual Lotha Language Festival.
The celebration was held at Tiyi Hall, Wokha town, while parallel events were also organised in Kohima, Dimapur, and Chümoukedima districts by the Lotha Academy with support from Lotha Hoho units.
In Wokha, Dr. Chumben Murry, Advisor to the Chief Minister, graced the occasion as the special guest.
Delivering his address, Dr. Murry said the observance was not only about refining Lotha language but also about preserving identity.
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He stressed that language is intrinsically tied to cultural heritage. Reflecting on his own life, he admitted that he had not given much importance to language and culture in the past, but has now realised their significance, describing it as a mistake he urged others not to repeat.
He emphasised that language has the power to unite people, adding that unity, resilience, and hospitality are interconnected through language.
“The better one speaks a language, the stronger the relationships one can build,” he said.
Dr. Murry further noted that ancestral wisdom, folk songs, and folklore are deeply rooted in language, and called for a collective movement to preserve heritage. He encouraged writing more books in Lotha, not only to preserve but also to innovate, while taking pride in both language and culture.
In his exhortation, Mhathung Tsanglao, Deputy Commissioner of Wokha, lauded the Lotha Academy for its efforts to promote and preserve the language, particularly among the younger generation.
The DC underscored that language is a core element of identity and stressed the responsibility of elders and parents in passing it on.
Tsanglao encouraged educating children in basic Lotha vocabulary, including names of trees, birds, and everyday objects. He urged the youth to value their language, noting that people are recognised by their culture, tradition, and language when they go beyond their home district for studies or work.
He further highlighted the role of social media, churches, and Sunday schools in promoting the language.
He advocated for conducting such programmes entirely in Lotha and suggested initiatives such as storytelling sessions, prayers, and writing exercises to strengthen linguistic skills.
He reminded the gathering that lessons from such programmes should be carried forward beyond the event. He also challenged parents to converse in Lotha during family meals and encourage children to pray in their mother tongue, which he said would enable the younger generation to inherit age-old traditions.
In her greetings, Lolano Patton, DPRO Wokha and representative of the Lotha Officers’ Association, Wokha Unit, described the programme as a meaningful step towards strengthening the language.
She noted that despite being blessed with a rich linguistic heritage, many people tend to rely more on Nagamese and English. She urged the community to take full advantage of such initiatives, while assuring that the association would continue to promote the Lotha language and culture alongside their role as government servants.
During the programme, a book titled “Rücholan: Lotha folktale and short stories” authored by Dr. N Janbemo Humtsoe was officially launched by Dr. Chumben Murry.
The programme was chaired by Dr. Bijano Murry Odyuo, member of the Lotha Literature Committee, while the welcome address was delivered by Fr. Abraham Yanthan, president of the Lotha Academy.
Highlights included a Lotha ancestral folksong recitation by Jenibemo Ezung, BA 2nd Semester, Bailey Baptist College, Wokha, and a folk song presentation by Fernbrook School, Wokha.
Earlier, the Academy honoured students who secured the highest marks in Lotha Subject (MIL) in the HSLC and HSSLC examinations for 2025 and 2026. Awards for the Lotha literary competition in short story and essay writing were also presented.