A one-day discourse on “Hindi Compulsory in the Schools of North East India” was held on Sunday at The Classic Hotel, North AOC, organised by Federal Student’s Organisation Kangleipak (FESOK) in collaboration with Federation of Government College Teachers’ Association (FEGOCTA), Council of Teachers’ Association (COTA) and All Manipur Students Guardian’s Association (AMSGO).
Addressing the function as chief guest, former director of JN Dance Academy, Dilip Mayengbam said that the decision of the central government to impose Hindi language in schools as a compulsory subject in North Eastern states shows that they don’t understand nor value the sentiments of the people of the region. This initiative would be taken as a part of effective implementation of Act East Policy in this region, he said.
After a series of movements from various sections, the Manipuri language was finally enlisted in 8th schedule and many writers played pivotal roles in promoting the Manipuri language at national and international level through their literary works, he informed.
Stating that movements and efforts to promote Manipuri language to be declared as classical language are still on, he called on the people of the state to react as activists to prevent the centre from imposing Hindi as compulsory subjects in the school till class X.
The guest of honour of the function, general secretary of AMSGO, Sougrakpam Sumati stated that Manipur has its own distinct language, culture and tradition. As such, imposing other languages as compulsory subjects is a direct threat to the cultural identity of the state and the leaders of the state should not take such decisions of the central government very lightly, she asserted.
She further said that there is nothing wrong in learning other languages but imposing it in the state is not acceptable. Since the merger of Manipur with the Indian union, the state has been staying under the control of central leaders directly or indirectly. Considering them as powerful leaders, trying to impose Hindi language in North Eastern states including Manipur is very unfortunate, she said, adding that the centre should withdraw their stand very soon. People of this region should also revolt against it until it is completely withdrawn, she called on.
President of FESOK, Romesh Ningthouja said that any movement launched by student organizations always succeeds. Even in this decision of Hindi imposition, they will launch various agitations if the stand of the central government is not withdrawn. The federation will send a memorandum to concerned leaders of the central government not to impose Hindi as a compulsory subject, Romesh said.
