International Mother Language Day observed in Lakhimpur district

 A CORRESPONDENT

LAKHIMPUR: Laying stress on this year’s theme- ‘Multilingual Education: A Necessity to Transform Education’, Panigaon OPD College of Lakhimpur district celebrated the International Mother Language Day, 2023 on Tuesday in a befitting manner. The college observed the event under the auspices of the Department of Assamese by organizing a seminar in the college auditorium. It was held under the management of Dr BD Nisha, Assistant Professor of the Department of Assamese of the college.

In the seminar, Dr Suresh Kumar Dutta, the Principal of the college-cum-a noted columnist delivered a lecture on the topic ‘Mother Languages as Medium of Instruction: Importance and prospects’. Assistant Professor of the Department of English, Manash Pratim Khanikar explained the significance of the International Mother Language Day. The programme, which concluded with vote of thanks by Assistant Professor Dr Rakhi Deudhai Phukan, was attended by students, faculties of the college along with local public.

On the other hand, the International Mother Language Day was observed at Lakhimpur Commerce College in North Lakhimpur with calls to practice and preserve one’s mother language while learning other langauges. A seminar was organized for that occasion on Tuesday by the Department of Assamese of the college and it was chaired by Dr Lohit Hazariuka, Principal of the college.

Eminent columnist-cum-Head of the Department of English, Lakhimpur Commerce College, Sazzad Hussain attended the seminar as a resource person. Giving his deliberation over the topic, Hussain said that language was always above religion and other identities. Citing the example of the origin of the International Mother Language Day in 1952, he said that people of the same faith revolted against the authorities when their mother language was threatened. He also said that the theme of this year of the day—multilingual education, a necessity to transform education was a perfect subject for academics to impart education in native languages.

The seminar was also addressed by Mridushmita Hazarika, Assistant Professor of the Department of Assamese. In her speech, Hazarika highlighted the evolution of Assamese language in the modern times, overcoming various challenges in colonial and post-Independent India. Dr Manjumani Saikia, Assistant Professor of the Department, also attended the seminar as a resource person. In her address, Dr Saikia spoke about the evolution of various spoken dialects to a standard language by virtue of literary works. She said that mother languages play a constructive role in nation building.

In his presidential speech, Principal Dr Lohit Hazarika urged the teaching staff of the college to devise new mechanisms to impart specialized education in mother languages. The meeting was also attended by Vice Principal GK Chetry, teachers and students of the college.

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