Tura, 21 Feb: The Department of Garo at the North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Tura Campus, in collaboration with the A•chik Literature Society, Tura, marked the Silver Jubilee of the International Mother Language Day with vibrant celebrations on Friday.
The event, was held at the NEHU – Tura campus, the event witnessed diverse audience comprising faculty members, research scholars, students, academicians, writers, and members of the A•chik Literature Society.
Dr. Jacqueline R Marak, Head of the Department of Garo, inaugurated the program and highlighted the significance of the day. She reminded the gathering that International Mother Language Day, originating in Bangladesh, was officially endorsed by UNESCO in 1999 and has been celebrated globally since 2000.
Dr. Marak also emphasized the importance of nurturing, honoring, and preserving the Garo language, urging the younger generation to embrace their linguistic heritage.
The event featured a rich tapestry of literary presentations, showcasing the depth of Garo literature. Prof. Fameline K Marak unveiled “Chokchimsa Bite,” a compilation of 50 poems, contributed by former students of the Garo Department, NEHU Tura Campus, exploring diverse themes ranging from nature and education to human aspirations.
Dr. Dokatchi Ch Marak announced an upcoming workshop on Language Documentation, scheduled for March 2025. She also presented a compilation of place names from various regions where different dialects of the Garo language are spoken, including A•we, Ganching, Gara, Dual, Matabeng, and Abeng, compiled by Prof. Caroline R Marak, President of the A•chik Literature Society, showcasing the linguistic diversity within the Garo community.
The digital realm was also a focus of the celebration, with research scholars Melkior Ch Sangma and Gripseng G Momin advocating for the creation of digital literature in the Garo language. They urged the community to engage in bilingual and multilingual digital projects to preserve and promote the language while providing valuable insights for policymakers.
Recitation of over twenty original poems by research scholars, students, and participants, reflecting a deep appreciation for the Garo language was also a part of the event.
Christina D Sangma’s poem celebrated the love and value of the Garo language, while Sentingstone D Sangma’s poem shared limericks on human nature. Porthyna R Marak’s poem spoke of the Galmak Kari season, the season when jhum fields are burned for agricultural purposes.
Aprillin Dilchi A Sangma and Nambebalche S Sangma’s poem explored the complexities of the human mind and truth. Robar G Sangma, a third-semester student, recited his prose “Dokbakgamgri,” drawing from Garo folklore about bats and their unique way of celebrating festivals.
Dr. Crystal Cornelious D Marak, Secretary of the A•chik Literature Society, provided a historical overview of Garo literature, tracing its evolution from early compilations to the contributions of British officials, missionaries, and native Garo writers. He encouraged the audience to engage in literary criticism in Garo language, fostering the growth and development of the literature in the modern era.
The celebration of International Mother Language Day at NEHU, served as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating linguistic heritage and cultural identity, fostering a deeper appreciation for the Garo language and its rich literary traditions.
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