Tura, Feb 22: A strong call for inclusion of the Garo language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution — marked the celebration of International Mother Language Day 2026 in Tura on Saturday.
Observed under the theme “Youth Voices on Multilingual Education,” the event was hosted at Christian Girls’ Higher Secondary School and organised by the A·chik Literature Society (ALS), Tura, in collaboration with the Department of Garo, North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Tura Campus; the Department of Garo, Shillong College; and Don Bosco College, Tura.
The programme brought together scholars, writers, educators, and students from NEHU Tura Campus, ICFAI University, Captain Williamson Sangma State University (CWSSU), Shillong College, Don Bosco College, Tura Government College, and other institutions, reflecting a united academic and cultural front to safeguard indigenous linguistic heritage.
Chairing the inaugural session, Dr. Dikme Chisil B. Marak, Executive Member of ALS, underscored the need for sustained community-driven initiatives. The event began with an invocation by Dr. Jacqueline R. Marak, Editor of A·chik Ku·rang magazine, followed by a welcome address from Dr. Colnat B. Marak, Vice-President of ALS.
In her keynote address, Dr. Dokatchi Ch. Marak highlighted the decisive role of youth in sustaining multilingual education.
She stressed that promoting indigenous languages alongside global languages is essential to ensuring inclusive education and preserving cultural identity in an increasingly globalised world.
A major highlight of the programme was the release of “Matcha Bi·sani Golpo,” translated by Dr. Rosa Mary Ch. Sangma and formally unveiled by the Vice-Presidents of ALS, symbolising ongoing efforts to expand literary resources in the Garo language.
The academic sessions featured robust discussions on language preservation, identity, and policy. Author and folklorist Mr. Chenggan A. Sangma warned of the gradual erosion of indigenous diction and vocabulary due to modern lifestyles, calling for renewed attention to traditional nomenclature, including indigenous names of the months.
State Literary Awardee Mr. Kroshnil D. Sangma spoke on the enduring strength of the mother tongue in shaping identity and knowledge systems, while Mr. Basan R. Marak highlighted the richness of Garo proverbs and idiomatic expressions as vital tools for intellectual and cultural continuity.
In another session, Dr. Barbara S. Sangma, Head of the Department of Garo at CWSSU, examined educational reforms through postcolonial and deconstructive frameworks, offering a balanced critique of the National Education Policy (NEP) by outlining both its strengths and limitations.
Mrs. Lorinda D. Marak of Shillong College presented a comparative literary study on Gitanjali by Rabindranath Tagore, showcasing diverse research approaches within regional language scholarship.
A research paper authored by Prof. Caroline R. Marak, President of ALS, emphasised the urgent need for rigorous academic research in the Garo language and identified priority areas for scholarly exploration.
The celebration concluded with certificate distribution by Dr. Crystal Cornelious D. Marak, Secretary of ALS, who reiterated that the Garo community continues to demand constitutional recognition through its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule — a move seen as crucial for official status and institutional support.
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