Shillong Hosts Landmark Conference on Indian Language Family, Advocates Linguistic Unity
A significant two-day conference focusing on the Bharatiya Bhasha Pariwar (Indian language family) was successfully conducted in Shillong, Meghalaya, from January 29 to 30. This pivotal event was jointly organized by the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), Regional Campus, Shillong, and the Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti, under the Union Ministry of Education. The conference centered on the theme of 'inter-linguistic understanding,' aiming to foster greater appreciation and cohesion among India's diverse linguistic traditions.
Emphasis on Unity Over Division in Language Classification
During the proceedings, Padma Shri awardee Chamu Krishna Shastry, chairman of the Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti, delivered a powerful address. He quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserting that "all mother tongues of India are national languages." Shastry highlighted that, according to the 2011 census, India boasts 1,369 languages, which are often classified in various ways. However, he strongly underscored that such classifications should not serve as tools for political division. Instead, they should be viewed as a rich source of unity, celebrating the country's linguistic diversity as a strength rather than a point of contention.
Commitment to Innovative Research and Northeast Scholarship
Prof Mousumi Guha Banerjee, director of EFLU, reiterated the campus's dedication to pioneering teaching and research methodologies. She emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary scholarship that focuses on the ethnicities, cultures, values, and knowledge systems of the Northeast region. Banerjee noted that this conference plays a crucial role in strengthening inter-linguistic understanding, thereby contributing to a more inclusive academic and social environment.
Languages and Cultures as an Inter-Related Continuum
BDR Tiwari, commissioner and secretary to the government of Meghalaya, added to the discourse by emphasizing that languages and cultures exist in an inter-related continuum. His remarks reinforced the conference's core message that linguistic and cultural elements are deeply interconnected, and understanding this relationship is essential for promoting harmony and mutual respect among India's varied communities.
The conference in Shillong served as a platform for meaningful dialogue, advocating for a unified approach to India's linguistic heritage while rejecting divisive narratives. It highlighted the Northeast's role in fostering such discussions and set a precedent for future initiatives aimed at enhancing inter-linguistic cooperation and appreciation across the nation.
