Shillong, Nov 27: In line with the United Nations General Assembly’s declaration of 2022–2032 as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL), Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) hosted a special event to recognize the importance of indigenous languages and cultures. This proclamation, stemming from the 2019 International Year of Indigenous Languages (IYIL2019), aims to preserve and promote indigenous languages, empower their speakers, and support the broader objectives of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The event, organized by MLCU’s School of Languages and Cultural Communication on November 27, 2024, took place on the university campus in Nongrah. Aligned with the global objectives of IDIL, it emphasized the preservation of indigenous languages and cultures.
Distinguished guests, Prof. Desmond L. Kharmawphlang and Mr. Damenshan G. Hynniewta, graced the occasion.
Prof. Kharmawphlang, a renowned folklorist, poet, and academician, shared insights into the significance of indigenous languages in folklore and oral traditions. With a distinguished career in folkloristics and representation of Indian folklore on the international stage, he currently serves as a professor at North-Eastern Hill University in Shillong.
Mr. Hynniewta, a multifaceted theatre artist, playwright, and composer, engaged in discussions about the role of indigenous languages, particularly Khasi, Pnar, and Garo, in mainstream theatre. Drawing from his extensive experience in global and Indian theatre, including work on London’s West End, he highlighted how theatre serves as a powerful medium for language preservation.
The event saw vibrant participation from faculty and students, who showcased the richness of indigenous cultures through conversations, songs, food, and traditional costumes. This collaborative celebration underscored the unity and spirit of the Northeastern states of India, reaffirming MLCU’s commitment to preserving and promoting indigenous languages and traditions.
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