Langfest 2017: 3rd National Conclave on Mother Tongue concluded

LangFest – 2017, the third edition of ‘Aamari Bhasa Pathe’ a National Conclave of all six Indian classical languages along with Hindi and English concluded on 20^th February, 2017, coinciding the date to classical status to Odia language.

It was organized at Azad Auditorium, ICCR, New Delhi by THE INTELLECTS, a forum of progressive individuals with an objective to establish better language coherence, and exploring new dimensions of growth and outreach for Odia after its classical status. The three day long conclave got enriched with panel discussions, interactive sessions, film & documentary screenings, and presentation of ‘Amari Bhasha Pathe’ Awards.

Kicking off on 18th February, this year, language scholars, academics, literary doyens, innovators and enthusiasts from all six classical languages along with Hindi and English, namely, Prof Viswanath Prasad Tiwari President, Kendra Sahitya Academy, Dr Debi Prasanna Patnaik an Eminent Linguist, A V Swami Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Amarendra Khatua DG, ICCR, Porf. Ichharam Diwedi renowned Vedic Scholar, Ramachandra Khuntia Ex MP, Dr. Bhagavanprakash, Dr K Ramaswami Tamil Language Expert, Dr N Sachin Malayalam Language Expert, Dr Purushottam Bilmille Kannada Language Expert, Dr Abhay Kumar Sandilya Sanskrit Language Expert, Dr Tamasa Dash Mohapatra Director Odia Bhasa Pratisthhan participated in the event.

Being present at its Concluding Session as Chief Guest, Prof. Viswanath Pratap Tiwary, President, Kendra Sahitya Academy, asserted, ‘Every individual born in a language rather than a country. Therefore, the mother language must be chosen as the medium of primary level education for all.’ That is how the ambitious objective of the conclave fulfilled.

The second day of the conclave witnessed brain-storming among great minds of six classical languages on the topic, -‘Classical Status is an Honorary Designation or A Real Advantage.’The distinguished experts engaged themselves through insightful discourses to enlighten audiences with theirthought provoking outputs. The various scopes of the Classical Status, starting from the available Government sops, to necessary suggestions/demands in strengthening language education, like many issues were discussed.

Moreover, the socio-economic impacts of languages on human development was intensely deliberated. The most happening episode of the third day was the participation of students from different universities across India through the National Youth Integration Program. They engaged themselves through active participation to enrich their outlook by listening to elite panelists as well as sharing their ideas and views on the eve of International Mother Language Day (IMLD) which happens to fall on 21st February every year.

The closing session of this three day long National Conclave was presided by Debendra Rout, Chairman, The Intellects in presence of eminent guests, like Viswanath Prasad Tiwari, President, Kendra Sahitya Academy, Dr Gaurahari Dash, Dr K Ramaswami, AV Swami, Hon’ble MP. On this occasion, thirteen personalities, including nationally acclaimed linguist Dr Sanghamitra Mohanty were conferred with ‘Pravasi Bhasa Samman’. At the end, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Bhagavan Prakash proposed a vote of thanks on behalf of The Intellects.