Jamshedpur: Jamshedpur Women’s University (JWU) celebrated International Mother Language Day 2026 at its Sidhgora campus. The event showcased a vibrant mix of cultural and literary performances, highlighting the importance of linguistic diversity.
The ceremony began with the traditional lighting of the lamp. Dr. Sudhir Sahu, Proctor and Research Director, honored the chief guest, Dr. D.R.S. Dayal (Former Head of English, Kolhan University), with a memento and shawl. The event was hosted under the guidance of Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Anjila Gupta.
Linguistic Diversity Takes Center Stage
The program featured an array of performances and speeches in various regional languages, turning the campus into a melting pot of Indian culture.
- Sanskrit & Hindi: Students performed a powerful dance on ‘Mahishasuramardini Stotram’ and an energetic rendition of ‘Shiva Tandava Stotram’.
- Maithili & Bhojpuri: Faculty members added sweetness to the event with Maithili poetry and soulful Bhojpuri folk songs.
- Bengali & Odia: The audience was mesmerized by Rabindra Sangeet and Sambalpuri musical performances.
- Urdu & Kudukh: Heads of departments shared the depth of Urdu Ghazals and the emotional connection of the Kudukh language.
“Just as a mother supports her child’s first trembling steps, our mother tongue guides us through life’s journey.” — Dr. Javed Ahmed, Finance Officer, JWU.
Mother Tongue: The Carrier of Values
Chief Guest Dr. D.R.S. Dayal delivered an inspiring keynote address. Despite being an expert in English literature, he emphasized that mother tongues are the “carriers of values” (Sanskar).
Specifically, Dr. Dayal noted that while learning other languages is essential for global progress, one must never abandon their mother tongue. Furthermore, he stated that only those who stay connected to their roots can stand firmly on the global stage.
The Cost of Losing a Language
In his presidential address, Dr. Sudhir Kumar Sahu, Dean of Humanities, provided deep insights into the origin and evolution of various mother tongues. He issued a sobering warning regarding linguistic extinction.
Key Takeaways from the Dean’s Address:
- Identity: Protecting a mother tongue is not just about communication; it is about saving one’s identity.
- History: When a language dies, the history, folk songs, and traditions of that society vanish forever.
- Global Connection: He concluded by reciting a Sambalpuri Koshali poem, proving that local languages carry universal emotions.
Spiritual and Academic Perspectives
The event also touched upon the spiritual side of language. Dr. Kamini Kumari (HoD Commerce) led the gathering toward spirituality by reciting the Jain Namokar Mantra. Meanwhile, Dr. Anamika from the Chemistry department described the mother tongue as the “first step to gaining knowledge.”
The celebration concluded with a sense of pride and a collective pledge to preserve regional languages for future generations.
