Bhubaneswar, Feb. 21: Many of the more than 7000 languages and dialects existing in the world have disappeared which calls for the urgent need to strive to save one’s own language, eminent litterateur Prof. Gayatribala Panda, said on Friday.
The effort to keep one’s own language alive should start from the individual, she said while addressing a program organised at Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University (SOA) here on the occasion of silver jubilee celebration of International Mother Language Day.
The day is celebrated globally on February 21 every year to recognize the value of linguistic diversity and take steps to protect these languages for the future generations.
The program was organised by SOA’s Centre for Preservation, Propagation and Restoration of Ancient Culture and Heritage of India (PPRACHIN).
Prof. Panda, who is head of PPRACHIN, said that each family in Odisha had the responsibility of protecting and promoting Odia language. There was a need for making the children get attracted to their mother tongue, she said adding efforts should be made to spread awareness about it in the society.
Eminent historian Dr. Nibedita Mohanty, who also addressed the program, focused on the subject ‘The Role of Language in Building the Odia Race’. She referred to Vyaskabi Fakirmohan Senapati’s timeless novel ‘Rabati’ to make her point.
Focusing on ‘Rebati’, the principal character of the novel, she said ‘Rebatis are still alive in the society’. Senapati had made pointed reference to the superstitions and blind belief surrounding women during his time in his book, she said.
Renowned poet Dr. Aparna Mohanty stressed on the role of the Odia mother in strengthening the Odia language. Prof. Manas Behera, former professor of political science of Rama Devi Women’s University, also addressed the program.
Prof. Goranga Charan Dash proposed the vote of thanks. Prof. Nihar Ranjan Mishra, Associate Professor of the Department of Anthropology and Tribal Studies, conducted the program. Prof. Pradipta Kumar Panda and Prof. Santosh Kumar Rath were also present.
