Linguistic diversity preserves cultural heritage: Lt Governor

Varanasi, Sep 13: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Saturday addressed the ‘Bhartiya Bhasha Samagam’, organised by Hindusthan Samachar Group, at Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith, Varanasi.
In his keynote address, the Lieutenant Governor spoke on the linguistic harmony and mutual respect and understanding of diverse languages and dialects to foster national unity and inclusive growth.
“A linguistically harmonious society lays the foundation for rapid socio-economic growth, strengthens the social bonds and promotes social equality. Linguistic diversity preserves cultural heritage and enables people to contribute to nation-building,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor observed that under the leadership of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is not only rising as a major economic power but is also reclaiming its past glory.
“Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Panch Pran outlines a clear path for India’s future. It is a call to action for every citizen to shed the vestiges of colonial past, take pride in our rich heritage, and work together in the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ to build a strong and Viksit Bharat,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor called upon the linguistic scholars, researchers and writers to develop a system that makes India’s vast ancient knowledge accessible in all mother tongues in school curriculum and libraries enabling the youth to gain a deeper understanding of their glorious heritage.
“National Education Policy-2020 promotes multilingualism by emphasizing the use of mother tongue or regional languages as the medium of instruction, especially in early years of school education. The policy encourages cultural preservation. Our effort should be that all languages of India achieve their full potential. By weaving the country’s diverse linguistic fabric together through coordination, these languages can help create a developed India.
We must move beyond merely praising our knowledge systems and instead make them a practical part of our education in mother tongue. In rapidly changing world where new technologies and innovations are shaping the lives, we must present our cultural treasures in a way that is engaging to youth. This effort also requires a visionary approach and a proactive campaign to raise public awareness about our rich civilization and heritage,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor, in his address, also highlighted the significant role of a mother tongue in a child’s development.
When children are taught in their native language while also learning other languages, they become more skilled, capable, and competent individuals. Mother tongue also promotes creativity and innovation. A nation can leverage its linguistic diversity and accelerate progress by incorporating unique perspectives in art, technology, and other fields. India stands as a living testament to this linguistic diversity and its unique power, the Lieutenant Governor further said.
On the occasion, Scholars were also felicitated for their valuable contribution to promotion of Indian Languages.
Dr. Neelkanth Tiwari, Member of Legislative Assembly Varanasi South; Atul Bhai Kothari, educationist and National Secretary, Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas; Arvind Mardikar, Chairman, Hindusthan Samachar Group; Prof. Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, Vice Chancellor, Banaras Hindu University; Prof. Anand Kumar Tyagi, Vice Chancellor, Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith; Dr. Pradeep Baba Madhok, Director, Hindusthan Samachar Group; members of Hindusthan Samachar Group and prominent personalities from different walks of life were present.