UditVani, Jamshedpur : Under the able guidance of Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Anjila Gupta, Jamshedpur Women’s University hosted a grand cultural and literary celebration to mark International Mother Language Day 2026 at its Sidhgora Campus.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty members, students, and distinguished academicians, reflecting the rich linguistic diversity of the region.
The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by a formal felicitation of the Chief Guest, Dr. D. R. S. Dayal, former Head of the Department of English, Kolhan University.
He was honoured with a shawl and memento by Dr. Sudhir Kumar Sahu, Proctor and Research Director.
The event was graced by prominent dignitaries including Dean of Humanities Dr. Sudhir Kumar Sahu and Registrar Dr. Salomi Kujur, along with Heads of various departments.
Welcoming the gathering, Dr. Nupur Anvita Minj, Head of the Hindi Department, delivered the introductory address, highlighting the global significance of mother languages and their role in preserving cultural identity.
The cultural segment showcased vibrant performances representing multiple linguistic traditions. Students from the Sanskrit Department presented an impressive dance performance on “Mahishasuramardini Stotram,” followed by a powerful rendition of “Shiv Tandav Stotram” by students of the Hindi Department.
Dr. Javed Ahmed, Head of the Mathematics Department and Finance Officer, eloquently compared the nurturing role of a mother to that of a mother tongue, emphasizing how it guides individuals throughout life.
Registrar Dr. Salomi Kujur shared her emotional connection with her mother tongue, Kurukh. Dr. Annapurna Jha, Head of the Chemistry Department and C.V.C., recited her self-composed poem in Maithili, adding sweetness to the gathering. Students from the Bengali Department mesmerized the audience with a graceful dance performance on Rabindra Sangeet.
Dr. Rizwana Parveen, Head of the Urdu Department, presented soulful ghazals and highlighted the literary richness of Urdu. Former Hindi Department Head Dr. Pushpa Kumari recited a melodious Bhojpuri poem, while Dr. Rupali Patra of the Botany Department expressed her thoughts in Bengali.
Amrita Kumari, Head of the Philosophy Department, enthralled the audience with a devotional song in Bengali and a Nagpuri song.
Urdu student Falak Zarin presented a melodious ghazal, and Dr. Sanatan Deep, Head of the Music Department and President of the Sports & Culture Committee, captivated the audience with Bhojpuri and Sambalpuri musical performances.
Dr. Sonali Singh, Head of the Political Science Department, addressed the issue of language extinction due to migration and presented a Bhojpuri folk song.
Dr. Kamini Kumari, Head of the Commerce Department, rendered the sacred Namokar Mantra in Jaini language, adding a spiritual dimension to the programme.
Dr. Anamika of the Chemistry Department emphasized that the mother tongue is the first step toward acquiring knowledge.
In his keynote address, Chief Guest Dr. D. R. S. Dayal described the mother tongue as the “carrier of values” and stressed the importance of preserving one’s linguistic roots.
Drawing from his experience in the English Department, he remarked that while learning global languages is essential for progress, it should never come at the cost of abandoning one’s mother tongue.
“Those who remain rooted in their language stand stronger on the global stage,” he asserted.
In his presidential address, Dr. Sudhir Kumar Sahu elaborated on the origin, evolution, and coordinated development of various mother tongues. He warned that when a language disappears, it takes with it a community’s history, folk songs, and traditions. He also presented a Sambalpuri-Kosali poem.
The celebration concluded with an energetic tribal dance performance by students of the Hindi Department.
The formal vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Manisha, Head of the English Department, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, university officials, faculty members, and students for their active cooperation and dedication.
