Port Blair, Feb 21: Matribhasha Diwas, International Mother Language Day was observed in JNRM on 21.2.2018. UNESCO has declared 21st February 2018 every year as international Mother Language Day to promote the use of Mother Language.
The Students and faculties of JNRM gathered in the auditorium to showcase the unique linguistic diversity of the institution. As many as 13 languages were represented by about 20 speakers, who spoke, sang and recited poems in their mother language. Apart from Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam languages like Mizo, Karen, Uraon, Sadri, Marathi, Kannada, Punjabi and Nicobari(Nancowry dialect) were also represented. Speaking on the occasion the Principal Dr.N.Francis Xavier told the students to feel proud of their mother language and use it frequently. He also explained thisyear’s theme “Our language-Our asset” and told the students to acquire skills in as many languages as possible. The linguistic diversity found in JNRM is perhaps unique in the entire country, he opined.
Dr.Rameshkumar, Associate Professor ,Deptt. of Hindi highlighted the importance of mother language and how every language, big or small, is important for preservation of our culture. Dr.J.Roy Choudhury, HOD Bengali explained the linguistic significance of 21st Feb as it was on that day in 1952 students agitated in Dhaka against the forced imposition of Urdu and were massacred by the Pakistani authorities.
The meeting closed with vote of thanks proposed by Smt. Esther Samuel, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, who also remembered the contribution of Bishop John Richardson for the preservation of Nicobari language.
