As a child, my family and I kept shifting to different places due to various reasons – be it my father's job or better educational opportunities. Amidst all the changes, one constant remained: the importance of our mother tongue. My parents made sure that no matter where we moved, we always spoke in our native language at home. This was more than just a way of communicating; it was a way to preserve our culture and heritage.
Growing up, I witnessed the resilience of our mother tongue as it transcended geographical boundaries. It was a comforting reminder of my roots, a connection to our ancestry, and a tie to our cultural identity.
During my academic journey, I had the opportunity to stay in PGs and hostels, where I encountered people from diverse cultural backgrounds. It was here that I learned to appreciate and understand how rich our culture is. Interacting with peers who spoke different languages, celebrating different festivals, and follwoing unique customs broadened my perspective. This exposure not only deepened my respect for our own heritage but also instilled a sense of curiosity about the cultures of others.
Later, as I grew older, I developed a liking for reading books and famous novels in my mother tongue. Exploring the literary world in my native language opened up a whole new dimension of appreciation for the richness and beauty of our language. Moreover, traveling to different countries made me realize that languages might change, but emotions are universal. Despite the linguistic barriers, I found that a smile, a kind gesture, or a shared experience could transcend words and convey the same feelings of joy, sorrow, love, and compassion. It was a profound realization that while languages can be diverse and unique, the human experience binds us together in a universal language of emotions.
We have over 22 officially recognized languages and thousands of dialects in India. From the sweet nocturnes of Bengali poetry to the rhythmic beats of Marathi folk songs, every language's essence is a cultural expression that has been built over generations. There is a clear necessity for promotion and protection of indigenous languages so as to ensure cultural diversity thrives even in the present day world.
As we navigate through life, let us continue to cherish and uphold the beauty of our mother tongue. It's a legacy worth preserving, a heritage worth celebrating, and a culture that enriches our lives in ways that words cannot fully capture.
By
Ms. Suruchi Sahare
HOD Social Studies Department