Along with the rest of the world, International Mother Tongue Day (IMTD) was celebrated across the state.
OCK: Oriental College Kohima (OCK) celebrated International Mother Language Day at the college auditorium with the aim to promote linguistic diversity and raise awareness about the importance of preserving indigenous languages.
Speaking on the occasion, principal, OCK, Dr. Khriereizhünuo Dzüvichü, highlighted the shift in societal attitudes toward language use.
“There was a time when parents encouraged children to speak in English, but a reversal is observed these days”, she noted.
Dr. Dzüvichü further emphasized on the need to revive and preserve mother tongues, expressing concern that several Naga dialects are listed as vulnerable languages by UNESCO, and urged students to take initiative in researching and promoting the use of Naga dialects both within the state and beyond, underscoring the role of youth in safeguarding linguistic heritage. To mark the occasion, students from various semesters showcased diverse performances in their mother tongues.
PVHSS: Pranab Vidyapith Higher Secondary School (PVHSS) celebrated International Mother Tongue Day with the aim to promote linguistic diversity and multilingual education. Principal, Monoj Bhattacharjee, delivered a short speech on the objective of observing the event, encouraging students to take pride in their mother tongue, and to foster and sense of cultural identity and belongingness.
BMSJ: Baptist Mission School Jotsoma (BMSJ) celebrated IMTD with the leaders of Jotsoma village. Chairman, Jotsoma Village Council, Rodolie Nagi, exhorted the students with history of Jotsoma Village, while Head GB, Zakiebeito Senotsu, dwelled on the topic “Moral Education in Naga culture”, and Chairperson, BTKJ, Neilhouzono Nagi, on the topic “The importance of Mother Tongue”.
GMS Khar: Government High School (GMS) Khar celebrated International Mother Tongue Day on February 21. Altogether 58 students, 23 parents and 15 staff attended the celebration, with language teacher (MIL Ao), Limanungsang Imchen, exhorting on the importance of Mother Tongue.