A State level Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav 2024 under the theme “Unity through Languages” was observed at Morung Hall, Directorate of School Education, Kohima and at Nagaland University (NU), Kohima Campus on December 11.
Speaking as special guest, advisor of School Education & SCERT, Dr. KekhrielhoulieYhome explained how language plays an important and powerful role in the society, as it has become an identity and culture, and urged the people to focus more in promoting the rich culture.
Delivering a note on Language Development in Nagaland, Dr. Mimi Kevichusa Ezung, Associate Professor, Department of Tenyidie, Nagaland University appealed to all the Tribal Literature Boards to give more interest in making their orally stories, folklore etc in documented form to keep one’s language and culture alive.
Earlier, Thavaseelan K, Principal Director, DoSE while chairing the program said that Indian Languages Festival was a week-long event to celebrate the diversity of Indian Languages and Culture with an aim to promote the learning of Indian Languages, celebrate cultural diversity and promote sense of unity and harmony among the people of India.
At the program, rendition of the National Anthem was presented by Dr. N.K GHSS Seikhazou, A life sketch of C. Subramanian Bharati was read out by Grace Sote, PM Shri GHS, New Market, Kohima. Poetry recitation by T. Toihon Konyak in Konyak, RungshetomYimkhiung in Yimkhiung and T. M GHSS in Tenyidie, and cultural presentation by GHSS, Jotsoma.
NU Kohima campus: Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav, celebrating India’s linguistic and cultural diversity, was observed at Nagaland University (NU), Kohima Campus. Organized under the Ministry of Education’s guidance, the festival brought together students, faculty, and staff to honor India’s linguistic legacy and emphasize the role of regional languages in promoting national unity and cultural identity.
In a press release PRO NU Peter Ki informed that Pro Vice-Chancellor, NU, Kohima Campus, Prof. G.T. Thong said Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav was celebrated across India to honor linguistic diversity of Indian language and culture.
He emphasized that the festival, aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, featured activities like storytelling, skits, and plays to promote India’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage. He called for preservation and promotion of this cultural wealth for future generations.
Dean, School of Humanities and Education, Prof. Jano, emphasized the role of Indian languages in strengthening social harmony and multilingual education. She said the celebration fosters both mother tongue proficiency and multilingualism, enhancing unity, diversity, and the creative coexistence of languages.
Prof. Pangersenla Walling concluded the first session while assistant professor, Dept. of Hindi, Dr. Anuj Kumar highlighted the importance of multilingualism and cultural diversity.
The second session, hosted by Asebu Kekhriesenuo Kesiezie, featured a range of activities, including Manipuri and Rajasthani dance, Chokri, Tenyidie folk songs, and poetry recitations in Ao, Lotha, Telugu, Japanese, Dogri, Bangla, and Odiya. The event concluded with a display of traditional attire and explanations of their significance by different linguistic communities.