Agartala, February 21: Chief Minister Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha emphasized the profound role of mother tongue in preserving cultural heritage. Speaking at the state-level central program commemorating International Mother Language Day, jointly organized by the School Education Department and the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission Office, he underscored the language’s power to evoke a sense of nationality.
The historical context of the language movement resonated during the Chief Minister’s address. In 1952, the sacrifice of Salam, Barkat, and Jabbar in opposing the imposition of Urdu language on Bengalis in then East Pakistan led to the observance of Language Martyrs’ Day. Subsequently, UNESCO recognized February 21 as International Mother Language Day, emphasizing equal respect for all languages and fostering their development.
This year’s theme, “Multilingual Education: The Foundation of Intergenerational Learning,” aligns with our nation’s New National Education Policy of 2020. The Chief Minister likened the mother tongue to nourishing milk, emphasizing its role as the language of the heart. Safeguarding one’s own mother tongue and extending respect to other languages became a collective responsibility.
In the multilingual state of Tripura, where Kokborok holds prominence, efforts extend to teaching in eight additional languages across selected schools. The celebration of International Mother Language Day transcends linguistic boundaries, celebrating not only the victory of Bengali but also the triumph of all mother languages.
