Language promotion program held

ROING, Sep 16: The RIWATCH Centre for Mother Languages (RCML), in collaboration with the All Idu Mishmi Students Union (AIMSU), organized a daylong Idu Mishmi Language Promotion program on Monday here.

Titled “Kera-a Ekobə Thoji Ci” with the theme “Idu Acu Abəne Khanawe Geba,” the event featured debate competitions, and a visual quiz centered on the Idu Mishmi language, engaging students from various schools.

AIMSU president Drone Linggi, in his welcome address, expressed concern over the declining state of the Idu Mishmi language and the risk of its extinction.

RCML centre head Dr Mechek Sampar Awan highlighted that the extinction of a language signifies more than the loss of vocabulary; it represents the erosion of a worldview developed over generations.

He emphasized that speaking one’s mother tongue is crucial for preserving a language.

Participants included students from Intaya Public School, Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Roing Government Secondary School, Divine World School, and Roing Government Higher Secondary School.

Judges for the event were Khindiko Mega, Bhismak Linggi, Dr. Rasto Mena, Krishna Pulu, and Sima Linggi.

In the debate competition, Samili Mega from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya secured first place, with Awuli Mikhu from Government Secondary School and Abruwu Linggi from Intaya Public School taking second and third places, respectively.

In the visual quiz competition, Roing Government Secondary School emerged first, followed by Roing JNV and Roing Government Higher Secondary School in second and third positions.

“This program is part of RCML’s mission to promote, protect, and revitalize lesser-known endangered languages and cultural heritage in Arunachal. Besides conducting research and documentation, the centre organizes outreach initiatives in collaboration with indigenous communities,” said Dr Kombong Darang, RCML documentation officer.