WAKRO, 15 Nov: A ‘Kaman Mishmi language and culture promotion programme’ was held here in Lohit district on Monday by the RIWATCH, the Cultural and Literary Society of Mishmi (CALSOM), and the Kaman Language Development Committee (KLDC).
The event featured a range of activities aimed at celebrating and promoting the linguistic heritage of the Kaman Mishmi community.
The programme included visual quiz and extempore speech competitions conducted in the Kaman Mishmi language; a book exhibition; distribution of Kaman pictorial glossary books published by the RIWATCH;and a thematic discussion on ‘Our language keeps our culture alive’.
These activities were designed to highlight the linguistic richness of the community and inspire younger generations to value and preserve their mother tongue and cultural traditions.
The event was attended by Wakro ADC AJ Lungphi, CALSOM Wakro block chairman Solemso Ama, and CALSOM literary secretary Dr Sodyong Kri, among others.
Addressing the gathering, RIWATCH Centre for Mother Languages (RCML) Head Dr Mechek Sampar Awan highlighted that the programme was an integral component of the RCML’s ongoing mission- an initiative supported by the North Eastern Council, Shillong.
He emphasised that a key objective of the event wasdissemination of the Kaman pictorial glossary books, published by the RIWATCH as part of this initiative, alongside raising awareness within the community -particularly among native speakers – about the crucial importance of promoting and preserving the Kaman Mishmi language.
Dr Awan underscored that safeguarding one’s mother tongue is essential not only for maintaining linguistic identity but also for preserving cultural knowledge and traditions for future generations.
Lungphi in his address commended the RIWATCH for its initiatives in promoting and revitalising the endangered and lesser-known languages of Arunachal Pradesh. He stressed that while multilingualism is beneficial, it is equally important for individuals to maintain strong proficiency in their mother tongue.
Presiding over the event, Solemso Ama expressed gratitude to the RIWATCH for collaborating with the CALSOM and the KLDC in the effort to promote the Kaman language and culture.
Delivering the keynote address on the theme ‘Our language keeps our culture alive’, Dr Sodyong Kri urged the younger generation to take an active role in safeguarding and promoting their linguistic and cultural heritage.
In the literary segment of the programme, Jantina Ngadong of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya(KGBV) secured the first prize in the extempore speech competition, followed by Laxmi Yun of the Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), who bagged the second prize, and Naina Manyu of Apna Vidya Bhavan (AVB), who received the third prize.
In the visual quiz competition, the teams from GHSS, KGBV, and AVB demonstrated commendable performance, earning the first, second, and third prize, respectively.
All the winners were felicitated with cash prizes, certificates, and sets of Kaman pictorial glossary books.
The programme witnessed the participation of over 100 attendees, including community elders from Wakro and Kaman students from local institutions such as AVB, KGBV, GHSS, and Don Bosco School.
