International Mother Language Day observed
Aligarh: Various departments of the Aligarh Muslim University organized programmes to mark International Mother Language Day.
At the Department of Linguistics, noted linguist, Prof Ravinder Gargesh (Head, Department of English, Samarkand State University, Uzbekistan) delivered an online lecture, organized under the aegis of Masud Husain Khan Linguistic Society (MHKLS) of the Department. In his deliberations, Prof Gargesh drew attention to the problem of defining “Mother Tongue” and emphasized the role of the mother tongue and other languages, envisaged as a medium of instruction in the National Education Policy 2020. He called upon the academic community to play an important role in making education accessible to children in their mother tongues.
The chairman of the department, Prof Mohammad Jahangeer Warsi spoke on the relevance of International Mother Language Day and delved into the linguistic diversities in an era of globalization. He said mother tongue education and multilingualism are increasingly accepted around the world and languages are now regarded as an integral part of people’s identity which recognizes the importance of languages in promoting cultural diversity.
In his welcome address, Mr. Masood Ali Beg (Secretary, MHKLS) talked about the importance of the event. Dr. Nazrin B Laskar extended a vote of thanks.
A poster-making competition was also organized on this occasion, with the participation of students from various departments. The first prize was secured by Aalmeen Zehra (MA) while the second prize was shared by Ahmad Siddiqui and Mohd Akbar (Ph.D.). The third prize was jointly shared by Saniya Rafi (MA) and Uzma Afreen (Ph.D.). Iqra Raza, Mehboob Zahedi (Ph.D.), Ruqaiyya Nadeem, Fozia Khan (MA), and Eram Siddiqui (Ph.D.) received the consolation prizes.
As part of the celebration at the Modern Indian Languages, Chairman, Prof. Mushtaq Ahmad Zargar spoke on the importance of International Mother Language Day. He said that such celebrations create awareness about linguistic diversity worldwide, allowing the mother tongue to be more culturally accepted.
India is a multilingual country and it is imperative to preserve the diverse heritage, ethos and native languages. It is good that the New Education Policy gives a special focus on the teaching of mother languages.
Marathi Section Incharge, Dr. Taher H. Pathan said that the day spreads awareness regarding the preservation and protection of all native languages as multilingual and multicultural societies exist through their languages sustainably preserving traditional knowledge and cultures.
Dr. Khasim Khan Pathan, Incharge, Telugu Section and Dr. Tamil Selven, Incharge, Tamil Section, also spoke on the occasion.