TEZU, Jan 21: Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Dr Mohesh Chai expressed concern over the diminishing use of mother tongues among the younger generation.
Many dialects of the state are on the verge of extinction due to diminished use, Dr Chai said, addressing the inaugural function of the silver jubilee celebration of the Cultural and Literary Society of Mishmi (CALSOM) here in Lohit district on 18 January.
He informed that the state government is taking steps and measures for preservation of the local dialects.
Rajya Sabha Member Mukut Mithi hailed the CALSOM for completing 25 years of dedicated service to the Mishmi society. He exhorted the gathering to maintain their age-old culture and tradition, and emphasized the need to maintain unity among the three Mishmi sub-tribes who shares a common lineage.
9 ITBP Commandant Gauri Shankar urged the Mishmi community to take pride in their unique culture and traditional practices, and exhorted them to preserve it for posterity.
CALSOM chairman Buglelum Tega highlighted the achievements and the social and cultural activities of the apex body of the Mishmis of Lohit valley during the last 25 years. He said the organisation has been playing a pivotal role in maintaining social harmony among the different tribes of the state.
Tega informed that the Mishmi Language Development Committee, a sub-committee of the CALSOM, has developed a writing system for the Kaman and Tawra Mishmi recently.
“The successful documentation of the birth and death rituals of the Mishmis in written and documentary forms was another notable achievement,” he said.
Earlier, Mithi released a documentary on the birth and death rituals of the Mishmi tribe. A souvenir and a dictionary on the Kaman and Tawra Mishmi orthography were also launched.
Fifteen people from different walks of life were felicitated for their exemplary achievements and contributions to the Mishmi society in various fields.
CALSOM secretary Suraj Tayang also spoke.
Among others, EAC Duyu Rebia, SP DW Thongon, public leaders, officers, GBs, and students of the Mishmi society attended the celebration. (DIPRO)
