Dibrugarh University celebrated the International Mother Language Day, also known as Matribhasha Diwas, on 21 February, 2020 by organizing a special programme. The teachers, officers, employees and students of the university participated in the programme which was graced by the presence of noted literateurs and former professors of the university Dr. Nagen Saikia, Dr. Karabi Deka Hazarika and Dr. Ananda Bormudoi.
The programme commenced with a chorus in Assamese performed by a few employees and research-scholars of Dibrugarh University. Dr. Hari Chandra Mahanta, the Registrar of the university, welcomed the gathering and highlighted the importance of celebrating the International Mother Language Day. Dr. Nagen Saikia, an eminent Assamese litterateur and former president of Assam Sahitya Sabha, delivered an enthralling speech specifying the significance of International Mother Language Day and also focusing on the importance of preserving, protecting and promoting the native languages of Assam and the North-East.
A total of 14 activities including poem-recitation, singing, dancing and speeches in Assamese, Karbi, Tai, Mising, Bodo, Sadri, Deori, Manipuri, Nepali languages were organized. An international student from Egypt studying at Dibrugarh University spoke about the culture of Egypt in Arabic and English. Two students belonging to the Karbi community of Assam told folklore in the Karbi language and interpreted in Assamese. Likewise, members of some other communities like Tai-Ahom, Mising, Bodo, Deori, Sadri, Manipuri and Nepali took part in the programme by speaking briefly about their festivals, rituals and culture in their own languages.
