‘Mother Language Day’ observed at AMU
Aligarh: “Mother tongue is the language of our heart and mind and clearly there is more comfort expressing in it. The native language forms one’s identity. People are recognised by the language they speak and the culture they follow,” said Prof Shaik Mastan, former Dean, Faculty of Arts, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and currently a member of the Andhra Pradesh State Official Language Commission.
He was delivering a special lecture organised to mark the ‘Mother Language Day’ celebrations by the Telugu section, Department of Modern Indian Languages, AMU.
Mother tongue is not just a language, but it is a culture and identity that one has in the society, he said adding that every language spoken in the world represents a special culture, melody, color, and asset and to everyone the mother language is certainly one of the most precious treasures.
It is a duty and responsibility to preserve native languages and pass them down from generation to generation, emphasised Prof Mastan.
“India is multi-lingual and it is imperative to preserve the diverse heritage, ethos and native languages, which play a vital role in the development of personalities and understanding of the world around us,” said Prof Mushtaq Ahmad Zargar, (Chairman, Department of Modern Indian Languages) in the presidential address.
He pointed out that Department of Modern Indian Languages is unique in terms of multi-lingual fraternity.
This occasion reminds us how special and beautiful our mother tongues are, said Prof A Nujum, Malayalam Section.
Dr Taher H Pathan, Marathi Section and Dr Amina Khatun, Bengali Section spoke on safeguarding linguistic diversity and love for mother tongue.
Dr Khasim Patan Khan, Telugu Section extended the vote of thanks.
The Department of Linguistics observed the ‘Mother Language Day’ with an online poetry competition on the theme, ‘Creativity in Mother Tongue’ which was won by B.A. Linguistics student, Ifrah Mushtaq. M.A. students, Mohd Yasir and Aaisha Anees won the second and third prizes respectively. Osamah Ameen Mohammed Awadh won the consolation prize.
Dr Sabahuddin Ahmad (Officiating Chairman, Department of Linguistics) stressed the importance of mother tongue and why Language has been called the greatest human invention.
Geeta Gupta won the speech and poetry competition held at Women’s College to mark the occasion. Rashi and Alpana secured the second and third positions respectively; while Garvisha, Farhana, Zainab Sultana and Hadia received the consolation prizes.
Prof Reshma Begum (Hindi Section, Women’s College) spoke on the importance of linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. Dr Shagufta Niaz conducted the programme and Dr Nazish Begum extended the vote of thanks.