The School of Comparative Tribal Languages and Literatures (SCTLL) and the Centre for Indigenous Languages and Narratives, KISS-DU, jointly observed International Mother Language Day on 22nd February 2023. In an initiative to protect, promote and preserve indigenous languages, culture and heritage, KISS-DU observes this momentous day every year. The intended objective of this day is to promote and raise awareness about the importance of preserving and encouraging linguistic and cultural diversity. The day promotes learning and using multiple languages, which is essential for effective communication, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding.
Addressing the participants, Dr. Kanhu Charan Mahali, Director General, KISS-DU, delivered the Welcome Address and signified the necessity of observing this day. He also shared his experience regarding the status of mother tongues in the state.
Students and scholars across the departments participated with great enthusiasm. Two Ph. D scholars spoke on this occasion in their mother tongues. Most of the students spoke on the different aspects of mother tongues and their preservation. They shared their experiences, ease, and comfort in expressing their thoughts in their own language such as Mundari, Desia, Ho, Santali, Sambalpuri, Kui and Saura etc. All of them unanimously agreed that there is a dire need to protect such endangered languages in the state. On this occasion, a multilingual magazine named ‘Kalpaballi’ was unveiled by Dr. K.C. Mahali, Director General, KISS-DU. This magazine was published by School of Comparative Tribal Languages and Literatures (SCTLL), Centre for Indigenous Languages and Narratives, and the Santali Club, KISS – DU.
In his address, Dr. Priyoneel Basu, Director, Research, KISS-DU, highlighted the preservation of mother tongues for various purposes and shared some of the emerging areas of research in the field. Dr. Sushree Sangeeta Mohanty, Director, Center for Indigenous Languages and Narratives, KISS-DU and other faculty members of KISS DU graced the occasion. Dr. Rasmita Tripathy, Dean, School of Comparative Languages and Literatures, KISS-DU, addressed the gathering and offered a formal Vote of Thanks.
