Media
Celebrating Linguistic Diversity: International Mother Language Day at Alliance University
21 February, 2024
On February 21, 2024, Alliance University celebrated linguistic and cultural diversity as it observed International Mother Language Day. The event, organized by the Department of Language and Literature, aimed to promote awareness and appreciation of indigenous languages and their significance in preserving cultural heritage.
Inaugural Address:
Dr. V J Byra Reddy, Dean of Academic Affairs at Alliance University, set the tone for the event by underlining the importance of learning indigenous languages. He emphasized that each regional language holds its own unique identity and serves as a conduit for assimilating new ideas and perspectives.
Keynote Address:
Dr. Pankaj Kumar Sharma, Director of Operations and Strategic Initiatives at Alliance University, shed light on the diverse dialects within major languages. Highlighting the richness of Hindi with dialects like Bhojpuri and Mythili, he stressed that these dialects are the essence of their respective regions, contributing to the linguistic mosaic.
Special Address:
Dr. K A Venkatesh, Registrar of Examination and Evaluation at Alliance University, emphasized the need to accord equal importance to indigenous languages in a society largely influenced by English. He urged for continued communication in mother tongues to preserve linguistic diversity.
Prominence of the Mother Tongue:
Dr. Sandilyan Ramanujam Pagaldiviti, Professor and Director of Tourism and Hospitality Management at Alliance University, highlighted the essential role of mother languages in the evolution of civilization, emphasizing their significance in cultural identity and heritage preservation.
Diversity and Language Learning:
Dr. Liju Jacob Kuriakose, Assistant Dean of the Alliance School of Liberal Arts, advocated for embracing regional languages as symbols of diversity. He urged individuals to learn the indigenous language of the places they reside, acknowledging the mutual influence between English and regional languages and fostering linguistic diversity.
Event Highlights:
The celebration included a Multilingual Poetry Meet and Singing Competitions, showcasing the vibrancy of mother languages. Faculty and staff from diverse departments of the university participated, witnessing the spirit of linguistic and cultural diversity on display.
The International Mother Language Day event at Alliance University served as a reminder of the richness embedded in linguistic diversity, urging for its preservation and celebration. Through insightful addresses and engaging activities, attendees were inspired to cherish and promote the multitude of languages that enrich our global tapestry.