Tinsukia: Doomdooma College in Tinsukia district observed International Mother Language Day on Monday, under the initiative of its Literary Society. The programme, held on the college premises, highlighted the significance of linguistic diversity, the threats faced by endangered languages, and the urgent need for their preservation.
The event began with students performing the college anthem, followed by a welcome address by Principal Kamaleswar Kalita, who elaborated on the history of mother languages and the global challenges of language extinction, underscoring the importance of sustaining linguistic heritage as a vital aspect of cultural identity.
Organised with the cooperation of the Assamese, Hindi, and Bengali departments, the programme saw participation from over a hundred students. The proceedings were conducted by Sharmistha Bhattacharya, Assistant Professor of the Commerce Department.
Distinguished critic and writer Birke Bahadur Thapa, the keynote speaker, reflected on the significance of International Mother Language Day in promoting awareness of multilingualism and cultural diversity. Recalling the events of 1952, he noted that police in erstwhile Pakistan opened fire on students demanding recognition for Bengali as a state language, resulting in the martyrdom of several students. The day is commemorated as Martyrs’ Day in Bangladesh.
Thapa also highlighted the history of the Assamese language and pointed out that many indigenous languages worldwide have faced extinction, placing numerous languages today under threat. He drew attention to the linguistic crisis in the Northeast, where several mother tongues are on the verge of disappearing, and stressed the need for both spoken and written commitment by communities to preserve their languages. Citing examples from states such as Tripura, he expressed concern over how dominant languages are gradually replacing regional mother tongues.
Prakash Dutta, President of the College Governing Body, spoke on the challenges faced by languages and the importance of conscious efforts to sustain them. Insights were also shared by Hiran Sainya, Associate Professor and Head of the Hindi Department, Abdul Jalil Choudhury, Associate Professor and Head of the Bengali Department, and other faculty members, who provided analytical perspectives on language preservation.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Lokman Ali, Assistant Professor in the Department of Education, who appreciated the contributions of speakers, faculty, and students in making the event a success.