Mysuru: The Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysuru, on Friday celebrated International Mother Language Day with academic deliberations, book releases and discussions on multilingual education.Speaking on the occasion, Pradyumna Kumar Sethy, principal of the Regional Institute of Education (NCERT), Mysuru, emphasised the critical role of the mother tongue in education and nation-building. Highlighting India’s rich linguistic diversity, he noted that the country recognises 22 scheduled languages along with hundreds of others spoken across different regions.Referring to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Sethy underlined the importance of imparting early education in the mother tongue to strengthen cognitive development and cultural identity.Recalling various language movements, he said the day commemorates the sacrifice of language martyrs and reinforces the need to promote multilingualism. Drawing from academic experiences, he illustrated how language barriers can disadvantage talented students and stressed that access to examinations and knowledge in one’s mother tongue ensures equity and inclusion.Sethy argued that languages must coexist rather than compete, cautioning against linguistic hierarchies and imposition. He called for mutual respect among linguistic communities and greater production of knowledge in Indian languages.“Mother tongue is not merely a medium of communication but the voice of our culture and ancestors,” he remarked, urging citizens to preserve their linguistic heritage while embracing global opportunities.CIIL director Shailendra Mohan highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in promoting Indian languages, a release said.Referring to advances in AI-driven translation across multiple Indian languages, he described technology as a powerful instrument for emotional and national integration. He encouraged youth participation in creating digital resources and knowledge bases in Indian languages, aligning with this year’s theme, which foregrounds youth voices on multilingual education.Referring to developments in AI-driven translation across multiple Indian languages, he described technology as a powerful instrument for emotional and national integration. He encouraged youth participation in developing digital resources and knowledge bases in Indian languages, aligning with this year’s theme that foregrounds youth voices on multilingual education.
