UNESCO, IGNCA joint initiative to preserve 700 disappearing languages in India: expert
The Hindu
IGNCA and UNESCO collaborate to preserve 700 vanishing languages in India, emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage and knowledge.
Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts member secretary Sachchidanand Joshi on Thursday said that IGNCA has taken an initiative along with United National Educational Scientific, Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to preserve around 700 vanishing languages in India.
He said that a special training programme was being organised for enthusiastic youngsters in understanding manuscripts and books written by authors of “vanishing languages” such as Brahmi, Modi, Koraga, Irula, Sholaga, Sarada, Kaithi, Takri and others.
He attended as the chief guest for the seminar on Customary Law and Tribal Rights organised by the Central Tribal University of Vizianagaram. Later, he inaugurated the Inter University Tribal Cultural Conclave in Centurion University of Technology and Management (CUTM). Speaking at the CUTM conclave, Dr.Joshi said that valuable knowledge in those books and manuscripts needed to be preserved for the benefit of future generations.
“IGNCA’s well trained linguists can take steps in deciphering the scripts. Then only, it can be digitized. The new generations will be encouraged to speak in those languages as they are a part of our culture and heritage. The hidden knowledge with regard to natural farming, medicines and others can be used effectively for the benefit of the whole society,” he added.
Dr. Joshi said that as many as 35 universities across India were associated with IGNCA which was a part of the Union Ministry of Culture, involved in protecting tribal culture, languages and heritage across India. He said that around 6.5 lakh villages were being mapped under ‘My Village - My Heritage’ programme in order to protect the culture, language and food habits of the respective areas.
Central Tribal University Vice-Chancellor T.V. Kattimani, Centurion University’s Vice-Chancellor P.K. Mohanty said that both universities had jointly organised the conclave to protect folk arts, culture and heritage of tribal people. Raipur Kendriya Vidyalaya‘s retired principal Viswadeep Shukla said that tribal heritage, culture and their medicines were the real treasure of the country.
At another function organised in the evening, Dr. Kattimani, Dr. Mohanty and others released a book titled Low-Hanging Fruits, authored by Prof. Sachchidanand Joshi, and lauded his contribution to literature and arts. Prof. Joshi said that mutual respect and ensuring happiness of people, irrespective of their position was stressed in the book.
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