Celebrating Linguistic Harmony: Indian Language Day Seminar Reflects Unity in Diversity
In a heartening celebration of linguistic diversity and national unity, the School of Humanities, under the chairmanship of Dean Prof. V. Krishna, hosted a seminar on Bhartiya Bhasha Utsav on January 9, 2024. The event, dedicated to remembering the great poet Subhramanya Bharti on Indian Language Day, featured insightful discussions on the rich tapestry of languages in India and their harmonious coexistence.
C. Mrinalini, Telugu Convener for Kendra Sahitya Academy and Head of Silicon Andhra Telugu Department, set the tone by highlighting the linguistic diversity in India. She drew parallels with the Mahabharata, a timeless epic originally penned in Sanskrit but adapted into various languages. Mrinalini emphasized that languages are mediums for understanding, not sources of division, showcasing the unity that transcends linguistic differences.
Prof. Tarakeshwar V. V from the Department of Translation Studies at EFLU echoed this sentiment, noting that wherever one language ends, another is born, emphasizing the interconnectedness between languages. He shared a fascinating example from the Karnataka-Andhra border, where people seamlessly switch between languages based on their interlocutors.
The event also featured a notable mention of the friendship between Tamil poet Subramanya Bharati and a Telugu individual named Patlu, demonstrating that bonds can flourish across linguistic boundaries. This anecdote served as a powerful testament to the idea that language is not a barrier to understanding and camaraderie.
Prof. Fazlullah, Head, Dept. of Humanities, addressing the audience, spoke about the more than 700 languages and dialects in India. He highlighted that despite the pride individuals have in their languages, there is a collective respect that prevents any disrespect toward other languages. Quoting the famous line “Sare Jahan Se Achha Hindustan Hamara,” Faizulla emphasized that linguistic pride should never compromise the harmony of the nation.
The seminar took an academic turn as Professor Tarakeshwar V. V argued for the integration of language and literature studies. He questioned the need for separate departments, suggesting that, like sociology and history, these disciplines should come under one banner of “Indian languages.” This proposal aimed at fostering a comprehensive understanding of literature and languages within the broader context of Indian culture.
The insightful discussions and anecdotes presented during the seminar showcased the mosaic of languages that contribute to India’s cultural heritage. The emphasis on unity in diversity, the fluidity of language at border regions, and the call for integration in academia underscored the importance of recognizing the common thread that binds the nation despite its linguistic variety. The Bhartiya Bhasha Utsav served not only as a tribute to Subramanya Bharathi but also as a platform for fostering a deeper appreciation of linguistic diversity and national unity.