Steps taken to protect Manipuri Language – CM

Last Updated on February 17, 2023 by SPN Editor

Chief Minister N Biren on Saturday paid his respect to those who were involved in the movement for inclusion of the Manipuri Language in the 8^th Schedule of India. He also proposed schemes to develop local language dictionaries and help in developing and protecting the languages and dialects.

Biren was attending the 31^st Manipuri Language Day observance as the Chief Guest at Maharaja Chandrakirti Auditorium, Palace Compound. The observance was organised by the Manipuri Language Day State Level Celebration Committee in collaboration with the Department of Art & Culture, Government of Manipur and Directorate of Language Planning and Implementation, Manipur.

The Chief Minister observed that there are not many good published works on our history and on our forefathers’ struggle. He appealed to intellectuals, scholars, historians, etc of the land to do the needed research and publish their work based on truth and facts. Stressing on the need to protect what has been left by the ancestors, he said that we have to safeguard and preserve the indigenous land, identity and language.

Biren further explained that there is a need to educate the younger and future generations on Manipur history, nationalism, nation-building concept, obstacles faced by the forefathers, etc.

The Chief Minister proposed a three-month course for those willing to study the dialects and languages of the different communities of the State. This will encourage interaction amongst the people and help in building unity and nationalism, he observed.

Lamenting that many books have been published distorting history of the land, the Chief Minister said that a State level committee will be set up under the Education Department to check and regulate books published in the State specially related to history.

Education Minister and Manipuri Language Day State Level Celebration Committee Chairman Th. Basanta Kumar Singh said that today is a significant day for the State as the Manipuri language was included in the 8^th Schedule on this day in 1992.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has classified all languages of the world and categorized the Manipuri language under vulnerable classification, he said, expressing the importance of promoting and preserving the language.

The Minister further stated that under the leadership and advice of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, efforts are on seeking recognition of the Manipuri language as the 7^th Classical Language of India.

PWD Minister Govidas Konthoujam and Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba also attended the observation. On the occasion, altogether 17 organisations, which are part of the Manipuri Language Day State Level Celebration Committee, were also handed Certificate of Appreciations. It may be mentioned that Konkani, Manipuri, and Nepali were added in the 8th schedule by the 71^st Amendment Act of 1992. Meeteilon/Meiteilon is the language commonly known in the State before it has been called Manipuri language.