The two-day 5th Hangeul Day celebration organised by the department of Foreign Language, Manipur University kicked off at Manipur University VC Court Hall, Imphal on Wednesday.
On the occasion, MU vice chancellor Naorem Lokendra said that the day played a significant role in showcasing and popularizing the vast diversity of Korean culture and traditions.
“The day marks the inception and proclamation of the Korean alphabet,” he added.
He emphasised the role of Hangeul in spreading the korean philosophy and the finer nuances of the korean culture.
He noted that the day also highlighted the importance of preserving and safeguarding languages.
“Languages have a vital role in transmitting the invaluable wisdom and teachings of our forefathers,” he said.
He also extended gratitude to the organisers for putting up an event and also informed that a Ph.D course in Korean Language would be opened very soon at the university.
Meanwhile, programme director of department of Foreign Languages professor Hyunkyung Lee highlighted that Hangeul day was a National Holiday in South Korea.
He noted that the Korean alphabet was among the most logical scripts used across the globe.
“The Korean language course at MU started in 2012 and since then the Korean government and the language department have been providing various scholarships and job opportunities to students of the department,” he said.
He stated that Manipur University was the third university in India to offer a Master’s program in Korean Language.
He wished the department would achieve new heights in coming years and exhorted everyone to participate in the events planned.
Deputy chief of Mission, Embassy of Republic of Korea to India Sang Woo Lim; director of Korea International Cooperation Agency, India Woochan Chang; commandant of Assam Rifles colonel Sandeep Mishra and head of Foreign Language Department, MU S Imoba among others were present at the event.
