International Mother Language Day (IMLD) 2026 was commemorated across Nagaland under the theme “Youth Voices on Multilingual Education” with programmes held in Dimapur, Mokokchung, and Nagaland University on February 21, 2026.
In Dimapur, Watsü Telongjem (DWT) in collaboration with Ao Student Union Dimapur (ASUD) organized the event at Sümedem Fellowship, DABA, with Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, Aotula Imchen, as the special guest.
Addressing the gathering, Imchen emphasized that language forms the foundation of identity and tradition, cautioning that while learning other cultures is valuable, it should not come at the cost of neglecting one’s own heritage. She stressed that preservation of language lies in speaking it, not merely teaching it academically, and urged the gathering to reflect on their role in safeguarding linguistic heritage.
Citing UNESCO data, she noted that over 7,000 languages exist worldwide, yet only 40% are used in formal education, with one language reportedly lost every two weeks.
She explained UNESCO’s classification of language endangerment—Vulnerable, Definitely Endangered, Severely Endangered, and Critically Endangered—and observed that Ao language currently falls under the “Vulnerable” stage, though in some families it risks moving towards more severe categories.
Encouraging youth to harness technology, Imchen suggested incorporating Ao language into Artificial Intelligence platforms, citing an example where Siri’s voice was rendered in Mongsen Ao dialect. She reminded participants of the historical significance of IMLD, commemorating the sacrifice of youths who laid down their lives to preserve their mother tongue.
President of Ao Senden Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD), Ningsangwaba, highlighted the historical development of Ao language, crediting American missionary Dr. E.W. Clark for initiating its documentation. He recalled milestones including Godhula Brown’s transcription of hymns in 1878, Mrs. Clark’s Ao grammar book in 1893, Dr. Clark’s dictionary compilation in 1911, and the translation of the Holy Bible into Ao in 1964. Stressing unity through language, he referred to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes mother tongue-based education, and urged parents to encourage children to speak Ao at home.
The programme, chaired by Aonechet and Limasenla Jamir, featured speeches by DWT president Kenyangerla, Dimapur Ao Youth Organization president Maj (Retd) Pokti Jamir, and ASUD president Imnatemsu Pongen. Competitions held included the Ao Hymnal, won by DABA, and the Ao Spelling Bee, won by Asetkong range.
In Mokokchung, Watsu Mungdang observed IMLD at the Conference Hall, Aor Kilem, with Prof. Pangersenla Walling, Department of Linguistics, Nagaland University, as the theme speaker. Prof. Walling emphasized that learning begins on the mother’s lap, where a child first hears words through the mother’s voice. She stressed that multilingual education must value mothers’ voices alongside formal schooling, noting that while English is essential, it cannot replace the language rooted in one’s land, food, stories, and rituals. Highlighting the importance of oral tradition, she reminded that ancestors left voices, not books, and that every mother who speaks her language becomes a living classroom.
Earlier, Ao Senden president Marsanen delivered a short speech, while Watsu Mungdang president gave the introductory note. Invocation was offered by S. Atula, and the programme was chaired by Tangitla. The event was attended by Watsu Mungdang units from all 18 wards of Mokokchung.
Meanwhile, Nagaland University celebrated IMLD at its Administrative Complex with Prof. B. Kilangla Jamir, VC in-charge, as chief guest. Prof. Kilangla underscored the role of mother language in shaping identity and urged youth to strengthen and elevate their languages. Delivering a lecture, Dr. Neizo Puro of the Department of Botany exhorted participants to trace the history and development of their languages to preserve them, noting that speaking one’s dialect fosters peace and harmony.
He emphasized respect for linguistic diversity and the use of digital platforms to enhance mother language.
The programme, chaired by Dr. Rumi Dhar, Department of Law, included cultural performances by campus children and a tribal song by T. Bethel Kinimi. It concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Sentijungla, Department of Anthropology.