Bhubaneswar,11 Dec 2022: Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) Deemed to be University, in association with the School of Comparative Tribal Languages and Literatures (SCTLL), observed Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav on 11th December 2022. Every year it is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Mahakavi Subramania Bharathi, a multilingual poet and a freedom fighter of India. The Utsav is being observed as there is a need to strengthen ‘language harmony’ to develop an environment conducive to learning more and more Indian languages, apart from mastering one’s own mother tongue.
Addressing the participants, Dr. Chittaranjan Bhoi, Head of English Programme, SCTLL, sketched out the life history of Subramania Bharathi. He added that Bharathi, as a revolutionary writer and a nationalist poet, dwelt among the Indians as Indian independence activist, social reformer and polyglot. He was bestowed the title “Bharathi” for his excellence in poetry. He was a pioneer of modern Tamil poetry and is considered one of the greatest Tamil literary figures of all time.
In his Professor Deepak Kumar Behera, Vice Chancellor, KISS DU stressed on the importance of ‘bhasha’ for individual’s progress. “Learning our own language builds confidence in oneself,” he said. He also added that we must learn languages spoken in different areas in order to preserve and protect our cultural diversity. In his remarks Professor Behera cited the indomitable efforts of Hon’ble Founder, KISS and KIIT, Dr. Achyuta Samanta and his sacrifice in this regard.
Speaking on this occasion, Dr. Kanhu Charan Mahali, Director General, KISS-DU shared his experience in learning different languages and gave importance of mastering several languages to bring greater momentum apart from one’s own mother tongue. “In many of his writings, he added that he always conceptualized the idea of India as one. Truly, Subramania Bharathi was a great visionary leader of the country and today we understand his importance,” Dr. Mahali said. Apart from this he cited the unceasing exertions taken by Dr. Achyuta Samanta for tribals and their various languages.
Citing the example of an individual’s all-round development, Mr. Pramod Kumar Patra, Deputy Registrar, KISS DU stressed on students’ discipline on learning new languages to understand others. He said that “it’s how knowing one’s language can lead the way.” He also added that it would also encourage greater cultural awareness and inclusivity among people and society as a whole.
Followed by Dy. Registrar, Research Scholars and students from various Programmes (Hindi, English, Odia, Sanskrit and Santali) recited poems in their mother tongues – Kui, Santali, Kandha and Sambalpuri, which was appreciated by the audience. All other intellectuals participated with great enthusiasm.
Dr. Rasmita Tripathy, Dean, SCTLL, KISS DU offered a formal Vote of Thanks to all the dignitaries present on this occasion. She also added that “One should try and encourage others to learn the languages of our fellow Indians so that one can respect and celebrate each other’s culture.
