World Mother Language Day Observed by Fakir Mohan Sahitya Parishad

Balasore, 24/2 (Krushna Kumar Mohanty): World Mother Language Day was observed at Kavitirtha Shantikanan under the auspices of the Fakir Mohan Sahitya Parishad. The meeting was presided over by Dr. Subas Chandra Patra, President of the Parishad.

The Chief Guest, Kulamani Barik, Editorial Head of the Odia daily 'The Samaja' and a noted litterateur, said that without love for one’s mother tongue, there can be no true love for mother, motherland, or humanity. He expressed concern that while the governments of Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, and West Bengal are taking concrete steps and allocating substantial funds for the promotion of their respective languages, the Government of Odisha is lagging behind in this regard.

Poet Deepti Das, another speaker on the occasion, remarked that without language the world would be lifeless. It is through the advent of Mother Goddess Bagadevi that human expression has become meaningful and joyous. While other languages may function as languages of the mind, she observed, the mother tongue alone remains the language of the heart. Students from Balasore Zilla School, Fakir Mohan Higher Secondary School, Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, Kuntala Kumari Sabat Women’s College, and Fakir Mohan University were urged to articulate their own reflections on language and develop a deeper engagement with their mother tongue.

Dr. Ratnakar Singh, Secretary of the Parishad, delivered the introductory address. A language invocation song was presented by Kalyani Nanda and her associates. In his concluding remarks, Dr. Patra stated that national pride and progress become possible only when rooted in affection for the mother tongue, and he extended his thanks to the guests.

A large number of language enthusiasts attended the programme and made it a success.