Mother Language Day was celebrated across the campuses of Nagaland University on February 21, 2025. The programme at Lumami was held in the conference hall of the Dept of Political Science, with Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor as the Chief Guest. Prof. Patnaik, among others, asserted that mother language is a question of one’s identity. Emphasizing the significance of preserving and promoting mother languages, he urged everyone to strengthen their languages improvising if required, and develop their identities.
Chaired by Dr. Deepak Bhaskar from the Department of Political Science, the welcome address was delivered by Dr. Gyati Yam of the Department of Forestry. Insights were shared by Prof. Mithilesh Kumar Sinha, Dean, School of Social Sciences, and Prof. Athungo Ovung, Head, Department of Sociology. Prof. Ovung also cited interesting examples of linguistic coexistence from the Naga society. Attended by Yanrenthung Ezung, Controller of Examinations, Dr. Kevezai Tureng, Director of College Development Council, Heads of Departments, Officers, Staff, Research Scholars, and students, the programme ended with a vote of thanks proposed by Peter Ki, Public Relations Officer.
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A programme was also organised by the Department of Tenyidie at Kohima campus, where the rich cultural heritage of the state’s various Mother Tongues were showcased through a lively blend of folk songs, Tati song, story telling and poetry reading by the students and scholars of the Department. Meguo Mechüluo, an eminent member of the Ura Academy, and Prof. Buno Zetsuvi, Dept of Education, Nagaland University exhorted the attendees with the need to prioritize one’s parent language and also be active contributors to its growth, sustainability and development.
Also, at the Department of Linguistics, the Research Scholars took the initiative in celebrating the Mother Language Day with an Open Mic event on the University’s Kohima campus, showcasing the diversity of languages and cultures. The event featured a range of performances such as poetry recitals, songs, stories, etc., in around 19 mother languages including Mizo, Assamese, Tangsa (Arunachal Pradesh) and Nepali. Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. G.T. Thong, in a short speech, highlighted the importance of preserving mother languages. Scholars and students from the various departments also took part in the event promoting linguistic diversity. The Open Mic program was truly a rewarding event celebrating language tapestry embracing language differences.
