International Mother Language Day - 2021

“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head.

If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.”

Late. Mr. Nelson Mandela, Former President of South Africa

‘Thai Mozhi’ or one’s Mother tongue marks the wealth of life through Vidyarambham, ‘aarambham’ (beginning) of ‘Vidya’ (knowledge), by carrying one through an auspicious journey from visible to the invisible, material to the divine and ephemeral to the eternal. Mother language develops a sense of pride and belonging towards the ethnicity of one’s culture and tradition.International Mother Language Day is regarded as an opportunity to remind, encourage and reinvigorate the importance and significance of expression in one’s Mother language.The theme of 2021 International Mother Language Day (IMLD), “Fostering Multilingualism for Inclusion in Education and Society,” recognizes that multilingualism can advance inclusionin education and the sustainable development goals leaving no one behind. The 23^rd edition of International Mother Language Day was organized by the Student Affairs, HITS and hosted by Ms. Riya Varma, 3^rd year, B.Sc. Food Technology and Ms. Tannu Priya, 2^nd year, B.Sc. Food Technology on 22 Feb. 2021.

Head Student Affairs, HITS enlightened the gathering with a brief history of the initiative by UNESCO and the importance of International Mother Language Day. He expressed,“Like the natural affection of mothers towards their children, mother language has a natural advantage. Students must understand the vitality of mother language in their lives and never compromise in learning their mother language”. Dr.S.N. Sridhara, Vice Chancellor, HITS offered the Presidential Address; and shared his thoughts on India’s diversity over languages and its dialects, and extended his concerns over the extinction oflanguages and culture. He also identified “Sanketi” (Sanskrit word for sign language) as the Universal Mother language, understood by all, beyond the walls of language barriers."A progressive nation cannot allow its indigenous languages to fade away. Mother languages of India are rich in all aspects. It is natural for the children to learn a subject easily through their mother tongue. We are able to express better while speaking in our mother tongues” exclaimed Dr. S. N. Sridhara.

Dr. R.W. Alexander Jesudasan, Pro Vice Chancellor, HITS emphasized on the cultural diversity of India, which is positively reflected in the esteemed Institution: "Events like this are useful to preserve our local cultures, traditions and languages. One must master their mother language in order to master the universe”. He also put forth the examples of Korea and China, who have built themselves up strong, sticking to their own mother tongues.D. Sudarsanam, Head of the School of Health and Allied Sciences, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, addressed the gathering with evoking messages about Mother’s Language. His humorous approach on the reasoning of ‘Why Mother tongue is called Mother tongue and not Father tongue’ brought giggles in the listeners. He conveyed his message to the audience though a songabout the importance of one’s Mother language. "If one is good in their own mother language then he or she can be good in all subjects. It is easy to learn complicated subjects if one is easy with their mother language learning” he concluded.

The event was embellished by the special performances of the students of Hindustan University, who offered their tribute towards their Mother Tongue, through various gestures of love and patriotism.Ms. Sreyoshi Dutta, 2^nd year, B.Sc. Food Technology, recited a Bengali Poem, ‘Moder Gorob, Moder Asha’ (Our Pride, Our Hope) by Atul Prasad Sendescribing the beauty of the Bengali language, evoking a sense of belonging in every listener, regardless of their diversities, inspiring them to nurture their cultural roots and to acknowledge the paths laid forward by various leaders. Ms. Koushiki Rit, 2^nd year, B.Sc. Food Technology, sang a Bengali Song, ‘Dhono Dhanne Pushpe Bhora’, describing the greenery and rich culture of India, making our country one of the most magnificent countries in the world. The beautiful rendition by the young talents, were followed by a Photo Session with students and dignitaries, thus bringing the noteworthy occasion to a graceful end note.