Manipuri language is in an alarming situation as it could disappear in the future as per experts, Sahitya Thoupang Lup (SATHOU Lup) said and called for encouraging children to speak in their mother tongue.

During the observation of International Mother Language Day held at Manipur Press Club on Monday, SATHOU Lup Advisor Sharatchand Thiyam said language is an identity of a community but that many languages are gradually in danger of disappearing. In view of the need to preserve the languages, UNESCO has initiated to observed ‘International Mother Language Day’ since 2000 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.

He further said that there are many language activists in the state, playing vital roles to preserve and promote Manipuri languages. However, their contributions are hardly recognised by people of state.

With an objective to encourage them by acknowledging their effort, SATHOU Lup has been presenting the “Khumbongmayum Gourahari Madhumati Mother Language Award” on ‘International Mother Language Day’ every year, he informed.

For the year 2022, the award was given to Makhonmani Mongsaba, who had played important role in the inclusion of Manipuri in 8th schedule of Indian Constitution.

With regards to disappearance of languages, Sharatchand Thiyam said that many experts made an observation of dying around 6,000 languages in the next 50 years. Amongst these, Manipuri language is also one of them, he informed.

As the situation of the Manipuri language is alarming, time has for every parent to encourage their kids or children to speak their mother language at home rather than speaking mixed language. It is an asset of the individual to have good command of many languages yet they should prioritise in their own mother language, he suggested.

The awardee, Makhonmani Mongshaba said that though the Manipuri language had received its recognition but its present status is in sorry state. Many terminologies or words have disappeared.

“Even the British who ruled Manipur learned Manipuri and gave honour to people of the state with Manipuri language. But unfortunately, the people and the leaders are sometimes embarrassed to speak their mother language. This kind of mindset has to be changed,” he recalled and suggested.

Makhonmani Mongsaba has written over 10 books and received Manipuri State Kala Akademi and Sahitya Academy Award in his travelogue ‘Chinglon Amadagi Amada’. Being film maker, he had received Rajat Kamal Award in the film ‘Chatledo Aide’.

The programme was attended by vice-chancellor, Manipur University of Culture, Prof Paonam Gunindro and President, All Manipur Working Journalist Union, Wangkhemche Shamjai as chief guest and president respectively.