The Centre for Endangered Languages, Sikkim University organised the International Mother Language Day on 21st February, 2019 at RaapJyor Cauveri Hall, 5th Mile, Tadong, Gangtok.
Dr. Samar Sinha, Coordinator of the Centre for Endangered Languages welcomed the delegates and highlighted the importance, history and significance of the day. Prof. Avinash Khare, the Vice-Chancellor of Sikkim University chaired the inaugural session. In his remarks, Prof. Khare claimed that the Centre has a mandate to work on the more than 34 endangered languages of Sikkim and North Bengal, and highlighted the Centre’s work on Magar, Gurung, Bhujel, Sherpa and Rai-Rokdung.
Later, Prof. Khare launched the official webpage of the Centre, and released the dictionary applications and the draft dictionaries of Magar and Bhujel. Shri C.B. Bhujel, the guest of honour, spoke on language endangerment, and highlighted how the Centre’s work on Bhujel, Magar, Gurung and Sherpa have enriched these languages and communities.
The first technical session was chaired by Dr. S.K. Rai, Chairperson, Eleven Indigenous Ethnic Communities of Sikkim (EIECOS). He delivered his remarks on the introduction of state legislative bills for the introduction of Gurung, Thami and Sunuwar in schools of Sikkim, and on research and publications in these languages.
Mrs. Sheela Thami (on Thami), Mr. Bishnu Mangar (on Magar), Mr. Dil Kumar Gurung (Gurung), Mr. C.P. Dewan (on Yakha), Mrs. Laxmi Pradhan (on Newari), Mr. N.T. Lepcha (on Lepcha), Mr. K.M. Tamang (on Tamang) spoke on the various issues related to their respective language and community. Dr. B.B. Rai from All India Kirat Khambu Kulung-Sotang Rai Association, Sikkim, elaborated on the significance of the language as an identity, knowledge bank and science of living. Dr. Meiraba Takhellambam, Assistant Professor, Centre for Endangered Languages, gave a quick response on the talks as well as on questions and queries to the community members.
The second technical session with community language activists and researchers was chaired by Dr. Vimal Khawas, Associate Professor, Department of Peace and Conflict Studies & Management, Sikkim University.
Mr. N.P. Bhujel, President of Akhil Sikkim Bhujel Sangh, claimed that the Bhujel script has been digitalised but it is not yet recognised. Mr. Mingma Dendup Sherpa of Denzong Sherpa Association, Sikkim spoke on the requirement to approve Sherpa in the senior secondary level. Mr. Puran Mukhia (on Sunuwar) talked about the cultural progress of the Sunuwars in Sikkim after the recognition of their language. Ms. Reena Rai, Research Scholar, Department of Nepali, Sikkim University spoke about the documentation of Kulung language spoken in Sikkim. Mr. Bhupdhoj Thomras, a Kulung language activist stressed that the various departments of Sikkim University should pursue research work. Dr. Khawas, in his remarks, said that the community support is required for the further continuation of the Centre as well as to establish the Department of Linguistics in Sikkim University.
