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Our Correspondent
Imphal, Aug. 20 (EMN): The 31st Manipuri Language Day was observed on Saturday under the aegis of Manipuri Language Day State Level Celebration Committee in collaboration with the Department of Art & Culture and Directorate of Language Planning and Implementation.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh during the observation paid his respect to those who were involved in the movement for inclusion of the Manipuri language in the 8th schedule of India. It may be mentioned that Konkani, Manipuri, and Nepali were added in the 8th schedule by the 71st Amendment Act of 1992.
Addressing the gathering, Biren Singh said, ‘we need to educate the younger and future generations of our history, nationalism, nation-building concept, the obstacles faced by the forefathers, etc.”
He proposed a three-month course for those willing to study the dialects and languages of the different communities of the state. This will encourage interaction amongst the people and help in building unity and nationalism, he felt.
Lamenting that, many books have been published distorting history of the land, the chief minister said that a state level committee will be set up under the Education Department to check and regulate books published in the state specially related to history.
He also proposed schemes to develop local language dictionaries and help in developing and protecting the languages and dialects.
Education, Law & Legislative Affairs Minister and Manipuri Language Day State Level Celebration Committee Chairman Th Basanta Kumar Singh said that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has classified all languages of the world and categorized the Manipuri language under vulnerable classification while expressing the importance of promoting and preserving the language.
The minister further stated that under the leadership and advice of Chief Minister Biren Singh, efforts are on seeking recognition of the Manipuri language as the 7th Classical Language of India.
Altogether 17 organisations, which are part of the Manipuri Language Day State Level Celebration Committee, were handed with Certificate of Appreciations.