Language Directorate mooted on Mother Language Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 21 2012: Prof Chungkham Yashobanta of Manipur University has highlighted the need to establish a separate Directorate for Manipuri language so as to promote and develop the language.

Speaking on the International Mother Language Day observed in the hall of Manipur Hindi Parishad today under the aegis of the Manipuri Literary Society, Prof Yashobanta also expressed serious concern over the prevailing situation of Manipuri language.

Even as Manipuri language was included in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution in 1992, the Government has done nothing for development of the language.

The existing Language Cell is not enough for development of Manipuri language, said the Professor.

Different sections should be activated under a separate Directorate for promotion and development of Manipuri language in every aspect.

The Directorate should have different sections such as translation section, dictionary section, spelling section, electronic dictionary section, terminology section etc.

If the existing shortcomings and requirements are not addressed in the next couple of years, Manipuri language would be under immense threat of total disappearance by 2020, Prof Yashobanta warned.

Resource persons at the Language Day

All the books written in Bengali script need to be re-written in Meitei Mayek otherwise Manipuri language would face serious problems in future, Yashobanta said.

In his presidential speech, Manipuri Literary Society president Dr S Lanchenba Meetei noted that the Government has implemented just two things since Manipuri language was included in the 8th Schedule.

The first one is institution of a literary award which carries Rs one lakh in cash and the second one is establishment of a language cell just for name's sake.

Observing that the Government of Manipur has done nothing substantial for development of Manipuri language, Dr Lanchenba lamented that even educationists forgot about the Manipuri language once they were elected as MLAs.

Given the sorry state of affairs under which Manipuri language has been languishing for the past many years, it demands a strong civil movement for protection and promotion of the mother language.

The International Mother Language Day was also observed at JN Dance Academy auditorium under the joint aegis of Sahitya Thoupang Lup and JN Manipur Dance Academy.

The main feature of the observation was recitation of poetry by poets including those coming from Tripura.

The observation was graced by Ratan Thiyam, Yengkhom Bihari, Yumlembam Ibomcha, Rajkumar Bhabansana, Lanboi Kabui, Dilip Mayengbam and Lanchenba Meetei.

Speaking on the occasion, renowned theatre director Ratan Thiyam described Meiteilon as one of the most beautiful languages of the world.

It is no easy task to keep Meiteilon alive in the face of the sweeping force of globalization.

Observing that one or two English word(s) has/have necessary to speak one sentence in Meiteilon, Ratan Thiyam noted that the Meiteilon now in vogue has become too corrupted.

Dilip Mayengbam recalled that it was Hijam Irabot who first dedicated time and efforts for development of Manipuri language at about 1934 .

Naoriya Phullo was another key exponent of Manipuri language in the earlier period, he said.

Selected Manipuri poetry translated into Bengali by AK Seram and entitled Anyashwar was also released at the function.

Saratchand Thiyam also spoke on the occasion.