Jamshedpur: The Faculty of Humanities at Graduate College celebrated International Mother Language Day today, Saturday, February 21, 2026. The event honoured linguistic diversity and emphasized the role of mother tongues in preserving cultural identity.
Principal Dr. Veena Singh Priyadarshi inaugurated the program by lighting the ceremonial lamp. In her address, she noted that one’s mother tongue serves as a vital link to mother, motherland, and emotional roots.
The History and Power of Language
Keynote speaker Dr. Rakesh Kumar Pandey from the Hindi Department highlighted the profound sacrifices made for linguistic rights. He detailed the 1952 student protests at Dhaka University, where youths gave their lives to establish Bengali as a national language.
Dr. Pandey explained that UNESCO officially recognized February 21 as International Mother Language Day in 1999 to prevent language extinction. “A mother tongue does not just protect culture; it fuels intellectual growth and provides a bridge to inclusive education and social harmony,” he stated.
During the session, Dr. Pandey also recited original poetry emphasizing that without language, human knowledge remains incomplete.
Students Showcase Talent in Competitions
The college organized several competitions to mark the occasion. The winners included:
- Speech: Monika Sanda (1st), Shruti Chaudhary (2nd), Lovely Kumari (3rd).
- Slogan Writing: Monika Sanda (1st), Babli Patro & Simran (2nd), Kumari Abhya (3rd).
- Original Poetry: Shruti Chaudhary (1st), Anshu Kumari (2nd), Khushbu Kumari (3rd).
- Poster Making: Manorama Purty (1st), Nandini Jha (2nd), Khushi Kumari & Disha Kumari (3rd).
- Singing: Manorama & Group (1st), Saraswati & Group and Rashmi & Group (Joint 2nd), Nisha & Group (3rd).
Dr. Archana Sinha, Head of the Sanskrit Department, coordinated the program, Dr. Firdaus Jabeen conducted the proceedings, and Dr. Smita Nandi delivered the vote of thanks. Numerous faculty members, including Dr. Vinay Singh, Dr. Sangeeta Birua, and Dr. Anamika, attended the celebration alongside a large number of students.
