International Mother Language Day Exhibition Showcases the Global Symphony of Languages
On International Mother Language Day, the Kalanidhi Division and Academic Unit of Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) presents Akshar | Shabd | Bhasha, an exhibition celebrating and honouring the linguistic diversity of India, and exploring the richness of languages, scripts, and words that define our cultural heritage.
Spread across the two main galleries Darshanam I and II and a lively interactive wall in the corridors, the exhibition brings to life, the spirit and importance of mother languages and their subtle role in the gradual development of a society.
Darshanam II gallery has a collection of 22 quotes in the 22 scheduled languages of India curated to bring about something special about each language and Darshanam I along with the corridor space is an immersive and interactive experience for the viewers. The exhibition will continue till 29th February 2024.
‘Akshar | Shabd | Bhasha,’ the exhibition aimed at bringing forth the importance of mother languages and the need to preserve endangered languages has been organized by the Academic Unit, IGNCA for the Kalanidhi Division, IGNCA as a part of the Division’s International Mother Language Day Celebrations.
21st February is celebrated as UNESCO’s International Mother Language Day since its announcement on 17 November 1999 to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and to promote multilingualism.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Ms. Lily Pandeya, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Govt. Of India, Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA, Dr. Huma Masood, Senior Gender Specialist, UNESCO Regional Office, New Delhi, Ms. Priyanka Mishra, Director (Admin), IGNCA, Prof Ramesh Gaur, Dean (Admin)
Ms. Lily Pandeya, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture
The Academic Unit of IGNCA, established in 2017, was initiated to upkeep the mandate of IGNCA to document, preserve, conserve, and disseminate the Indian Arts and Cultural Heritage and to train competent professionals to work in the specialized field of culture.
Dr. Huma Masood, Senior Gender Specialist, UNESCO Regional Office
What started with only 3 Post Graduate Diploma Courses viz. PGD in Cultural Informatics, Preventive Conservation, and Buddhist Studies in 2017, the Academic Unit today has grown to 12 Post Graduate Diploma Courses and several important Short Term Certificate Courses.