Celebrates International Mother Language Day-2024.

Agartala, 21st of February 2024 : With the initiative of Education Department Government of Tripura celebrated International Mother Language Day in collaboration with Bangladesh Assistant High Commission, Agartala at Town Hall, Agartala on Wednesday (21st February, 2024). In the presence of many dignitaries Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha inaugurated the International Mother Language Day by lighting the lamp. The chief minister along with the guests paid floral tribute to the language martyrs.

 “Mother Language serve as conduits for traditional knowledge and cultural heritage. Mother Language inspires people with nationalism. Mother Language is one of the most powerful means of preserving one’s own culture.”, Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha said at the celebration ceremony of  International Mother Language Day. The Chief Minister said that the language movement was formed against the imposition of Urdu language on the Bengali of the then East Pakistan. On February 21, 1952, Salam, Barkat, Jabbar were martyred in this language movement. So this day is known as Language Martyr’s Day. Later UNESCO recognized 21st February as International Mother Language Day. The significance of International Mother Language Day is to give an opportunity to the mother language of all nations to flourish and to show equal dignity to all languages.

The Chief Minister also added that the theme for International Mother Language Day 2024 is “Multilingual education is a pillar of intergenerational learning“. This idea has already been included in the new National Education Policy of our country for 2020. The first language learned from mother is our mother tongue. Mother tongue is the language of human heart. It is everyone’s responsibility and duty to protect their own mother tongue and give equal status to other languages as well. Being recognized as International Mother Language Day is not only the world victory of Bengali language, but the victory of all mother tongues.

In the event, the Chief Minister said that 8 other languages including Kokborok are recognized and taught in selected schools. At present Kokborok language has been introduced as one of the languages in 1296 primary, 115 Madhyamik and 65 Higher secondary schools in Tripura. Moreover, importance has been given to the development of various languages of other ethnic groups. Among these are Chakma, Manipuri Bishnupriya Manipuri, Kuki-Mizo, Halam, Mog and Garo. At present, Chakma language has been introduced in 123 schools, Manipuri language in 24 schools, Bishnupriya Manipuri language in 39 schools, Halam language in 90 schools, Kuki-Mizo language in 15 schools, Mog language in 37 schools and Garo language in 13 schools. The textbooks from class I to VIII in total 8 languages including Kokborok have been arranged for the students of certain language groups. After the present government came to power in the state, an advisory committee has been formed at the State level for the development of the mother tongue of 8 ethnic groups. The Government is working on the development of tribal languages.

Director of Higher Education Department N.C Sharma delivered the welcome speech on the occasion.  Director of Information & Cultural Affairs Department Bimbisar Bhattacharjee also present on the occasion. A procession was also organized on the auspicious occasion. A large number of people have participated in the colourful procession with great enthusiasm and excitement. Bangladesh High Commission, Assistant High Commissioner Arif Mohammad, students of various schools and colleges, NGOs, and many other dignitaries were present in the programme.

About The Author