IMPHAL August 20: Eight organisations of the State came together to observe the 24th Manipuri Language Day 2015 at the Lamyanba Shanglen today.
The organisations are Manipuri Sahitya Parishad Imphal, The Cultural Forum Manipur, Naharol Sahitya Premee Samiti Imphal, Manipuri Language Development Committee Imphal, Writers Forum Imphal, Leimarol Khorjeikol (Leikol) Manipur, Manipur State Sumang Leela Council and Manipuri Literature Society Imphal.
Prof Thoidingjam Tombi Singh, president of the Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Imphal; Prof MC Arun of Anthropology Dept., MU and Prof Ch Jasobanta of MU`™s Linguistic Department participated as the main speakers of the observation and spoke on the theme `Save Manipur and Save Manipuri Language`™.
In his speech, prof MC Arun said that language is crucial in defining a culture and holds the reflection of a society`™s history.
In his words, `Manipur is not a colonial product and our language is an integral part of the legacy of our civilization. It is a core character of our glorious past.`™
He emphasised on the endogenous character of the Manipur.
He cited the recent GoI – NSCN (IM) Accord as an intriguing suspense with a possible potential to infringe the political entity of the State.
He emphasized that the need of the hour is building a unity across culture and language.
Prof Ch Jashobanta Singh talked on Manipuri Grammar, Manipuri Dictionary and Manipuri Encyclopedia.
He also explained the need to standardised spoken form of Manipuri language and improving it further through language modernisation.
He also talked about the individual and collective efforts required to protect and strengthen the language.
Prof Thoidingjam Tombi Singh lamented on the decaying status of the Manipuri language even after being listed under the 8th schedule for 24 years.
He said it is unfortunate that the native people instead of promoting it has succumbed to incorporating other languages and compromised on the originality and authenticity of the language.