Phinjem, the media organ of Chang Baptist Church Dimapur (CBCD) and Livingstone Foundation International College (LFIC) observed the International Mother Language Day on February 21.
To mark the day, Phinjem organised a literary competition under the theme “Transformation of education through mother language”.
A press release by CBCD stated that the Mission Coordinator, NMM and former secretary of Chang Literature Board, Jonathan Chang, was the speaker for the programme, and attended by officials from Chang Union Dimapur, Changsao Thangjam Dimapur and Chang Students Union Dimapur.
The release informed that literary competition comprised of Spelling Bee and Essay competition, where winners were awarded certificates along with cash prize of Rs. 3000, Rs. 2000 and Rs. 1500 respectively.
LFIC: The day was also observed at Livingstone Foundation International College (LFIC) with HoD Department of English Jemsungba Walling, as the chief spokesperson.
A press release by LFIC stated Walling stressed on importance of individuals in preserving one’s mother tongue while emphasizing current situation of many North East Indian languages being at risk of becoming critically endangered due to lack of proper documentation and laidback nature of native speakers.
He also commended the crucial initiatives by Government of India, such as Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Indigenous Languages (SPPEL), and appreciated the masterstroke of NEP 2020 in fostering multilingualism among young minds of the future.
Walling also encouraged students to preserve and promote language by cultivating habit of documenting one’s local folktales/folklore and to encourage using one’s mother tongue. A special folk song was performed by the BA 4th semester students (Department of English LFIC).
The release stated that the programme was organized by Department of English to commemorate significance of the occasion and to foster the crux of preserving one’s own Mother tongue.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025