TEZU, Aug 20: Aimed at promoting and preserving Mishmi language, culture and traditions among the younger generation, the Lohit District Administration conducted the First Edition of the Inter-School Mishmi (Kaman & Taroan) Speech Competition at Amik Ringya Hall here.
The speech competition was conducted in two categories. Participants in the Taroan category spoke on ‘Solid Waste Management’, while students in the Kaman category spoke on ‘Opium Cultivation and its Ill Effects’.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner K N Damo stressed the importance of encouraging children and youth to learn and use their mother tongue. He observed that several indigenous languages of the State are endangered and that concerted efforts are required for their preservation.
He emphasized, while Hindi is important as a language of wider communication, indigenous languages are inseparably connected with the identity, culture and traditions of local communities. He called upon Community-Based Organisations, parents and other stakeholders to ensure that children learn and speak their native language at home and in the community.
The DC further stated that the District Administration would endeavour to make the Inter-School Mishmi Speech Competition a calendar event so that students continue to receive a platform to learn, speak and take pride in their indigenous languages.
In her address, ZPC Lohit Basanlu Dellang, the chief guest, commended the DA for organizing the competition. She said the themes selected for the competition were particularly appropriate as solid waste management and opium cultivation are issues that directly concern society.
She highlighted the adverse social, health and developmental effects associated with opium cultivation and also stressed the need for responsible solid waste management. She said that such competitions could simultaneously encourage preservation of indigenous languages and sensitize young people on important social issues.
She further urged teachers, parents and all sections of society to make conscious efforts to preserve and promote Mishmi language.
ZPM Sunpura Gulapso Bellai emphasized the close relationship between language and community identity.
ZPM Tezu Baplalum Chiba said that people should use their local language as frequently as possible in their everyday lives to ensure its continuity among future generations. He also appealed to CALSOM and other CBOs to initiate more programmes aimed at promoting indigenous languages and traditions.
Addressing the gathering, Sokhep Kri, Chairman CALSOM, appreciated the initiative of the District Administration and informed that CALSOM had already developed literature in local languages and was undertaking various initiatives for the preservation of Mishmi language, tradition and culture.
He informed that CALSOM has also constituted a Language Development Committee dedicated to strengthening efforts towards language preservation. He suggested that the initiative could be further expanded to include Anjaw district, thereby providing wider and more comprehensive coverage to Mishmi-speaking communities.
Kri further suggested that the speeches of the winners, particularly on subjects such as opium cultivation and solid waste management, could be recorded and developed into awareness videos for wider dissemination. Such content, he said, could serve the dual purpose of promoting the Mishmi language while spreading socially relevant messages.
The participation of elected representatives, CALSOM, educators, parents and students also underscored the need for collective responsibility in safeguarding Mishmi language, culture and traditions for future generations. (DIPRO)