Panjab University celebrates “International Mother Tongue Day”

Chandigarh, February 21, 2023: The Office of the Dean International Students, Panjab University Chandigarh celebrated “International Mother Tongue Day” today with international students at Panjab University and all affiliated colleges recognizing the importance of linguistic and cultural diversity around the world. The event was held in the Seminar Hall of Guru Nanak Sikh Studies, Guru Teg Bahadur Building 1st Floor. International Mother Language Day is part of a broader initiative "to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by people of the world". It is celebrated on 21st February every year to promote awareness about linguistic and cultural diversity and to promote multilingualism.

To show due honour and respect to the existing mother languages of different countries, the office of the Dean International students celebrated this event by holding different cultural activities. Many international students of Panjab University from countries like Iran, Zambia, Afghanistan, Mauritius, South Sudan, UK, Sri Lanka, Botswana, Swaziland and Eswatini participated in this event by reciting poem, songs, speech and dance in their regional language and students from our own country performed in Punjabi language, which reflected the rich legacy of various cultures across the globe.

Prof. Harsh Nayyar, Director (Research & Development Cell), Panjab University was the Chief Guest and Prof. Dr. Christian Paulik, head of the Institute for Chemical Technology of Organic Materials at the Johannes Kepler University in Linz, Austria, was the Guest of Honour.

Prof. Nayyar emphasized that language is not just a tool for communication, but a means of expressing our thoughts, feelings, and identity. It is an integral part of our culture and heritage, and it is essential to our personal and collective sense of belonging.

Dr. Christian Paulik, in his speech laid special emphasison the vital role of mother tongues in education and social inclusion and encouraged everyone to honour the heritage of their mother tongue or language.

Professor Sushil Kumar Kansal, Dean International Students, also addressed the students and said that everyone must preserve the glory of his/her mother tongue. He expressed his gratification on holding this event by the students on International Mother Tongue Day and ensured more such events would be held in future. At the end, Dr. Surinder Singh Bhinder offered a vote of thanks to all the guests and students.