Tribal Languages Preservation Seminar Held at Visva-Bharati

New Delhi- Prof. Binoy Kumar Saren, Vice Chancellor (Officiating) of Visva-Bharati University, emphasized the importance of academic focus on tribal languages at the Aadi Vyakhyan 06: National Seminar on Preserving Tribal Languages Using Technology & Indian Multilingualism: Policy & Practices. The event, organized jointly by the National Tribal Research Institute (NTRI) and the Centre for Endangered Languages (CFEL) at Visva-Bharati, took place in a hybrid format at Bhasha Bhavana, Shantiniketan on September 12 and 13, 2024.

Over 40 linguists, scholars, and tribal representatives from across India participated, presenting their research on the seminar's central theme. In his opening address, Prof. Saren stressed that the loss of a tribal language means the disappearance of essential knowledge, traditions, and cultural practices. He highlighted the role language plays in preserving indigenous identity and fostering intergenerational pride, further urging for the safeguarding of multilingualism in India.

Prof. Nupur Tiwary, Special Director of NTRI, spoke about ongoing initiatives to preserve tribal languages, emphasizing the cultural and historical significance of such efforts. Prof. Manoranjan Pradhan, Chairperson of CFEL, introduced Visva-Bharati’s work on endangered languages, expressing confidence that the seminar would contribute valuable insights toward promoting multilingualism under the framework of NEP-2020.

Dr. Arimardan Kumar Tripathi, a faculty member of CFEL, outlined the objectives of the event, focusing on leveraging digital technology to sustain multilingualism in India.

During the seminar, two books on endangered tribal languages published by CFEL were launched. The seminar also featured a theater performance, "The Blind Opera," directed by Mrityunjay Prabhakar, which showcased India's linguistic diversity. In the closing session, tribal resource persons Pravat Koraz (for the Kurukh language) and Santosh Tudu (for the Mahali language) were honored for their contributions in creating a multilingual dictionary. The event concluded with a vote of thanks and certificates presented to the participants.