The International Mother Language Day (Matrubhasha Divas) was celebrated at the Central University of Odisha, Koraput on February 21 at its Sunabeda campus. Vice-Chancellor of the university Prof I Ramabrahmam conveyed his best wishes on the occasion.
A special lecture on “Challenges to mother tongue in the age of globalisation” was organised. Eminent critic and researcher Prof Debendra Kumar Dash delivered a lecture as the chief guest.
Dean, School of Biodiversity and Conservation of Natural Resources Prof Sharat Kumar Palita, Prof Asit Kumar Das, Prof Dugra Prasad, Prof E Raja Rao, Prof Krushna Chandra Pradhan and HoD, Dept of Odia Language and Literature Dr Alok Kumar Baral spoke. Dr Alok Baral delivered the welcome address.
“Many languages have been dying all over the world. So in the context of globalisation, survival of mother tongues faces many challenges,” said Prof Dash. He gave importance to love for own mother tongue, use and creation of market value of our mother tongue Odia, so that it can survive.
Prof Palita highlighted the history and importance of the celebration of Mother Language Day. Prof Das advised in a poetic way to learn various languages. Prof P Durga Prasad highlighted the importance of mother tongue, while Prof Pradhan underscored the need to work for the development of the mother tongue. Prof E Raja Rao advised the students to respect the mother tongue.