2-day national symposium on Tribal Language, Culture and Education inaugurated at CIIL
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Mysuru: A two-day National Symposium on Tribal Language, Culture and Education was inaugurated at the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) at its Preview Theatre on Monday.
The event, marking the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, highlighted the profound contributions of India’s tribal communities to the nation’s history and culture.
The symposium was inaugurated by Prof Rajesh Sachdeva, former Director of CIIL, as the Guest of Honour and presided over by Prof Shailendra Mohan, Director of CIIL.
The opening session featured a heartfelt welcome by Dr P R Dharmesh Fernandez, Professor-cum-Deputy Director of CIIL, who acknowledged the significance of the gathering in celebrating the legacy of tribal heroes.
In her address, Prof Umarani Pappuswamy, Professor-cum-Deputy Director of CIIL,
underscored the pivotal role of tribal communities in shaping India’s growth.
She paid tribute to tribal leaders like Birsa Munda, whose resilience and sacrifices have profoundly influenced India’s history.
Prof Pappuswamy also emphasised CIIL’s ongoing efforts to preserve and promote tribal languages and cultures, ensuring their legacy endures for generations.
Prof Rajesh Sachdeva, as Guest of Honour, lauded CIIL’s efforts in amplifying the voices of India’s marginalised communities, stressing the importance of recognising the
interconnectedness of language, culture and identity in fostering national unity.
He celebrated India’s multilingualism as a testament to the nation’s cultural richness and reminded attendees of India’s historical contributions to the field of linguistics.
In his presidential address, Prof Shailendra Mohan highlighted CIIL’s pivotal initiatives,
including the Bhasha Sanchika Portal and key programs like NTS-I, NTM, LDCIL, SPPEL
and Bharatvani, aimed at preserving and revitalizing the linguistic heritage of India’s tribal populations.
He reaffirmed CIIL’s commitment to safeguarding tribal languages and
promoting their cultural empowerment.
Dr Sujoy Sarkar, Coordinator of the symposium, concluded the inaugural session with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants and speakers.
This 2-day National Symposium brings together experts, community members and practitioners to engage in meaningful discussions on topics like Language Revitalisation Initiatives, Data Management
of Endangered Languages, Language, Education and Culture and Foundational Literacy in Tribal Languages, among others.
– Team Mysoorunews
Mysooru News
