National Seminar on Preserving Tribal Languages Through Technology and Multilingualism Held at Visva-Bharati University

 Santiniketan: A two-day national seminar titled Aadi Vyakhyan 06: Preserving Tribal Languages Utilizing Technology & Indian Multilingualism: Policy & Practices was organized by the National Tribal Research Institute (NTRI) in collaboration with the Centre for Endangered Languages (CFEL) at Visva-Bharati University. Held in hybrid mode on September 12 and 13, 2024, at Bhasha Bhavana, Santiniketan, the event brought together more than 40 experts, scholars, linguists, and tribal representatives to discuss the preservation and promotion of tribal languages through technology and policy.

The seminar was inaugurated by Prof. Binoy Kumar Saren, the officiating Vice-Chancellor of Visva-Bharati University. In his address, Prof. Saren emphasized the importance of preserving tribal languages, stating, “When a tribal language dies, valuable oral history, customs, and indigenous wisdom—often about the environment and sustainable living—are lost. Language preservation empowers tribal communities, fostering identity, pride, and continuity across generations, while also reinforcing multilingualism in the country.”

Prof. Nupur Tiwary, Special Director of NTRI, highlighted various innovative initiatives for tribal language preservation. She explained that NTRI’s Aadi Vyakhyan series aims to stimulate academic discourse around the protection and promotion of tribal languages, recognizing the vital role language plays in preserving the culture and heritage of tribal communities. The program is part of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs’ broader effort to address tribal development through multi-stakeholder engagement.

Prof. Manoranjan Pradhan, Chairperson of CFEL, Visva-Bharati, officially welcomed the delegates and shared insights into Visva-Bharati’s ongoing research and development work on endangered languages. He expressed confidence that the seminar would inspire new ideas on supporting multilingualism in alignment with the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP-2020).

Dr. Arimardan Kumar Tripathi, faculty member of CFEL, introduced a web portal and Android application developed by the center, which provide users with resources such as multilingual dictionaries and descriptions of endangered languages. He emphasized the role of digital mediums in maintaining India’s multilingualism in line with the Digital India initiative.

During the seminar, two books on endangered tribal languages, published by CFEL, were released. The event also featured a multilingual theatrical performance titled The Blind Opera, directed by Mrityunjay Prabhakar and performed by students of Sangit Bhavana, highlighting India’s linguistic diversity.