Writers stresses on Preserving Vanishing Indigenous Languages

Bhubaneswar: The two-day All India Tribal Writers’ Meet commenced at Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA) University, concerns were raised about the disappearing indigenous languages, with nearly 40% of the world’s 7,000 languages and dialects, spoken by various indigenous groups, already lost.

K Sreenivasarao, Secretary of the Sahitya Akademi, conveyed that the dwindling languages reflect a broader threat to cultural preservation. The conference was jointly organized by the Sahitya Akademi and the Centre for Preservation, Propagation, and Restoration of Ancient Culture and Heritage of India (PPRACHIN), in collaboration with SOA, marks the International Day of World’s Indigenous People celebrated on August 9.

Highlighting the cultural significance of indigenous groups, Dr. Sreenivasarao stated, “If we don’t care now, we will lose the culture and the associated ancient knowledge system which these communities possessed.” He noted the Sahitya Akademi’s ongoing efforts to translate and publish tribal literature into various languages.

Addressing the inaugural session in his native ‘Koshali’ language, Haladhar Nag celebrated writer and Padmashree awardee, emphasized the role of literature in guiding society.

Writer Gayatribala Panda, showcased ongoing efforts in preserving tribal culture, including the development of scripts for languages like ‘Saura’ and ‘Ho’. She emphasized the importance of systematic preservation to prevent the loss of valuable components of tribal culture.