Tribal languages at crossroads: Utkal University leads the charge in Language Preservation

Bhubaneswar: The Anthropology Department of Utkal University and the School of Tribal Studies and Indigenous Research (STIR) today organised a workshop to promote the preservation of tribal languages. The event, titled ‘Tribal Languages at Crossroads: Alternatives for the Future’, aimed to create awareness about the endangered tribal languages of India and the need to preserve them.

The workshop began with a warm welcome by Dr. Santanu Kumar Das. He introduced the speakers and highlighted the importance of preserving tribal languages. The speakers included the chairperson Dr. Parmananda Patel, Dr. Santanu Kumar Das, Directors of STIR Ramakant Jena and Professor DS Pattnaik, PG Council Chairman of Utkal University Dr. Avaya Kumar Nayak, Registrar of Utkal University Professor Sabita Acharya, Vice-Chancellor of Utkal University Professor Kanhu Charan Satpathy, HOD of Anthropology department Dr. Rina Routray. The speakers shared their valuable insights on the topic and encouraged the audience to contribute to the preservation of tribal languages.

The technical session followed, which provided more in-depth information about the importance of preserving tribal languages. The session began with a thematic introduction to the topic by Dr. Sushree Sangita Mohanty which included videos and intriguing slides, chaired by Director of STIR Ramakanta Jena followed by technical deliberations by Dr Parmananda Patel. The speakers emphasised the vital role of language in preserving culture and highlighted the loss of cultural identity that can occur when a language is lost. They also discussed various initiatives taken by the government and other organizations to preserve tribal languages.

The question-answer round was held after the technical session, where the audience was given an opportunity to ask questions to the speakers. The speakers clarified their doubts and answered the questions patiently.

Overall, the workshop was a grand success, with students and faculty members from various departments participating in the event. The workshop was an excellent initiative to create awareness about the need to preserve tribal languages and to celebrate the heterogeneity of languages in India.

In conclusion, the workshop highlighted the importance of preserving every language that exists among us and emphasised the need for collective efforts to ensure that the rich cultural heritage of India is not lost due to the extinction of tribal languages.