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 Department of Political Science, with Prof Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor, as the Chief Guest. Prof Patnaik, among others, asserted that the mother language is a crucial aspect of one’s identity. Emphasizing the significance of preserving and promoting mother languages, he urged everyone to strengthen their languages, improvising if required, and to 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 in Naga society.
The programme was attended by Yanrenthung Ezung, Controller of Examinations; Dr Kevezai Tureng, Director of the College Development Council; Heads of Departments; officers; staff; research scholars; and students. It concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Peter Ki, Public Relations Officer.
A programme was also organized by the Department of Tenyidie at the Kohima campus, where the rich cultural heritage of the state’s various mother tongues was showcased through a lively blend of folk songs, a Tati song, storytelling, and poetry readings by students and scholars of the department. Meguo Mechüluo, an eminent member of the Ura Academy, and Prof Buno Zetsuvi of the Department of Education, Nagaland University, exhorted the attendees to prioritize their mother tongues and actively contribute to their growth, sustainability, and development.
Additionally, at the Department of Linguistics, research scholars took the initiative to celebrate 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, including poetry recitals, songs, and storytelling, in around 19 mother languages, including Mizo, Assamese, Tangsa (Arunachal Pradesh), and Nepali.
Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof GT Thong, in a short speech, highlighted the importance of preserving mother languages. Scholars and students from various departments also participated in the event, promoting linguistic diversity. The Open Mic programme was a truly rewarding experience, celebrating the rich linguistic tapestry and embracing language differences.