DC calls for preservation of mother tongue

TEZU, 4 Oct: Lohit deputy commissioner K.N Damo has emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting one's mother tongue and cultural identity.

Addressing the gathering at the 19th Annual Day celebrations of the Lohit Youth Library Network at Bamboosa Library here on Saturday, the DC said, "Our mother tongue is something that belongs to us. It carries our history, our culture, our traditions and the wisdom of our ancestors."

Expressing concern that many parents have started speaking Hindi or English with their children, he said that the "home is the best school for learning one's culture and language."

Referring to the Mishmi language, he pointed out that English and Hindi can be learned in many places, but opportunities to formally learn Mishmi are limited. He emphasized that promoting the Mishmi language is "very, very important" and that speaking one's mother tongue should never be seen as a limitation but as a strength.

The DC also gave away the annual day awards of the Lohit Youth Libraries.

The prestigious Bhajan Award for outstanding library activist was presented to senior activist Nishanlu Kri of Tezu, while the Sister Nivedita Award for dedicated library services went to Bahailu Rangmang and the Ranganatha Award for a dynamic library activist went to Arpita Ram.

Secretary of the Forum of Library Activists Bethem Marai received the "V U Eradi Memorial Award" for dedicated all-round contribution to the library movement. Late V U Eradi, IRS (retd), from Kerala, was a senior revenue administrator, cultural philanthropist and a great patron of Arunachali youth.

Presenting the annual report of the Lohit Youth Libraries, Coordinator S. Mundayoor spoke about the unique handholding of the Lohit district administration, NGOs and volunteers that has helped the youth library movement complete 19 years of dedicated service to the youth.

Reflecting on the journey of the Lohit Youth Library Movement, senior volunteer Keselo Tayang said, "Reading has made us more serious and open-minded. Volunteering has taught us responsibility, compassion and the value of giving our time to others."

Bethem Marai outlined how the Forum's efforts have also championed initiatives to bring out reading materials for youth in the Kaman and Tawra Mishmi languages.