The All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) observed the 35th Manipuri Language Day at TG Higher Secondary School, Imphal, with a call for greater efforts to preserve, promote and develop the Manipuri language.
Speaking to the media, AMSU president Lukram Malangba expressed the student body had played a significant role in the struggle for the inclusion of the Manipuri language in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and stressed the need to continue working for its development.
AMSU president Lukram Malangba expressed that Manipur is located in a region of Southeast Asia where indigenous scripts and languages are relatively few, making it important for the people to protect and preserve their linguistic heritage.
Malangba further expressed concern that people are gradually forgetting their mother tongue, while speaking Hindi and English is sometimes viewed as a sign of being more “civilised”.
He termed such a mindset unfortunate and said the people have a collective responsibility to preserve and develop their language. “Outsiders will not take responsibility for developing our language. We have to take the responsibility ourselves,” he said.
The programme was attended by Dr Saratchandra Longjomba retired Professor of the Department of Manipuri Dhanamanjuri University (DMU), Dr Haobijam Chalamba Head of the Department of Manipuri Naorem Birahari College, Dr Sapam Bijenti Lecturer in the Department of Manipuri TG Higher Secondary School and AMSU president Lukram Malangba as chief guest, guest of honour and president respectively.
Wakhallon Mannaba Apunba (WAMA), Kangleipak, also observed the International Mother Language Day by emphasising the importance of protecting, promoting and conducting research on the Manipuri language through the Meitei Mayek script at GP College, Imphal.
Addressing the media, WAMA president Moirangthem Naokhamba said the organisation has been working to encourage research on Manipuri language and Meitei Mayek at every level, from grassroots learners to academic researchers.
He said the studies and academic works undertaken by researchers are playing an important role in documenting, preserving and strengthening Manipur’s linguistic heritage. He particularly lauded scholars conducting research on Manipuri using Meitei Mayek, stating that their efforts would benefit future generations.
Naokhamba noted that Manipuri language research is also being pursued by scholars belonging to various hill communities. Researchers from communities such as Tangkhul, Maring, Kabui and Kom, he said, are contributing to studies related to the language.
Describing their participation as a welcome development, he said research involving scholars from different communities could expand the scope of linguistic studies while helping promote mutual understanding among the diverse communities of Manipur.
He urged society to encourage and recognise those engaged in research and documentation of Manipuri language. He also appealed to the people to use Meitei Mayek more frequently and stressed the importance of ensuring that the script is properly taught and promoted.
At the same time, the WAMA president called for collective efforts to protect Manipur’s linguistic diversity. He stressed that the promotion of Manipuri and Meitei Mayek must go together with respect for and preservation of the languages spoken by other indigenous communities.
Five individuals, Yuileila Teresa Keishing, Makunga Motang Maring, Maringmei Gairillu, Soringla Kashung and Mangte Rimthang Kom—were honoured during the programme for their contributions to Manipuri language research and related fields.
Former COHSEM chairman Dr. Hamom Nabachandra, WAMA adviser Namoijam Tomba, HERICOUN president Yumkhaibam Surjitkumar Khuman, WAMA patron Dr. Waikhom Romesh and other dignitaries and participants were present at the observance.
Writers Platform Manipur also observed Manipuri Language Day at the Manipur Press club, Imphal. The programme attended Dr Nongthongbam Hemantakumar Director Health Services, Haobam Chitra President WRITPLAT, Dr Rk Nayansana Devi Chief Patron WRITPLAT, Laishram memtombi Devi vice president WRITPLAT, Sh Meghachandra advisor WRITPLAT and K. Gangarani Devi Retd Principal N Tomchou higher secondary school .