Raising concerns that many languages and dialects of the country are dying out, Marathi Poet Prafulla Shiledar on Wednesday stressed the need to pay special attention to preserve and promote them.
He was speaking at the Imphal Literary Festival organised by Sahitya Thoupang Lup at Manipur Press Club. The poet from Maharashtra who is in the state to attend the function as the guest of honour, Prafulla said that India being a diverse country, there is a diversity of languages and dialects.
Although only 22 languages have been declared as ‘official’ in India, it is reported that around 19,500 languages and dialects are spoken as per census.
He further said that with the advancement of technology, many languages and dialects are facing an existential threat. Such problems are faced by every state of the country and to preserve these languages, collective efforts from every section of society is highly needed as a language and dialect is the identity of one's community, he added.
Concerning the challenges faced by the writers, he said that linking creative ideas in accordance with society is one of the big challenges the writers face. Every writer should never forget that their works can bring a lot of impacts in society, he further said while encouraging many young writers.
Attending the function as chief guest, vice-chancellor, DM University, professor N Rajmohun Singh said that there is an inextricable link between science and society. Making science go along with arts and literature would help in preserving cultural artefacts, he said. He also narrated about many scientists who also excelled in literary works.
President of the Festival Committee Sharatchand Thiyam said that Imphal Literary Festival is an annual event organised to promote and propagate Manipuri literature at the global literary platform and to understand world literature as well. The event has been organised since 2013, inviting many eminent writers across the country to exchange thoughts and ideas, he said.
During the programme, as many as 14 poems and four short stories were recited.
