Dehradun, February 21: It was a vibrant celebration of linguistic diversity in Dehradun as poets and writers showcased the richness of Uttarakhand’s languages at an event marking International Mother Language Day.
Organized by Doon Library and Research Centre in collaboration with Dhaad Sanstha, the event featured thought-provoking discussions and poetry recitations in various regional languages of Uttarakhand.
During the program, Ramesh Chandra Ghildiyal, the pioneer behind Garh Bharati magazine dedicated to promoting Garhwali language and culture, and Vinod Patwal from Dhumakot Dhaad branch were honored with the Dhaad Matribhasha Seva Samman for their contributions to language preservation and promotion.
Former Chief Secretary Nrip Singh Napalchyal, in his address, stressed the need to preserve and promote Uttarakhand’s regional languages, urging intellectuals to write in and use these languages in daily life.
Kumaoni linguist Kamla Pant highlighted the role of regional languages as carriers of local culture and history.
She noted that languages not only express thoughts and emotions but also preserve historical, political, and social transformations, as well as literary and cultural movements of their regions.
Language activist and author Shanti Prakash Jigyasu, in his welcome address, shared how Dhaad Sanstha has been celebrating International Mother Language Day annually since UNESCO’s 2010 report, organizing events in universities and public spaces to promote language preservation.
He also presented a report on the organization’s past initiatives.
Writer Mahendra Dhyani provided a brief account of Dhaad’s 38-year journey and emphasized the importance of using literature to sustain and promote Uttarakhand’s regional languages.
The event was presided over by noted writer Sumitra Juglan.
The highlight of the evening was the captivating poetry recitations by poets in Garhwali, Kumaoni, Jaunsari, Rawaalti, Nagpuri, and Rang Lo languages, which enthralled the audience.
Kumaoni poet Bharati Pandey introduced a new poetic form called Chausaat with her poems “Aali Aali, Ninuri Aankh Maji Bhau Sitlo” and “Kukur T Huni Vafadar Pai Bukuni Lai”.
Rawaalti poet Mahabir Rawalta recited his poem “Tera Baan Mui Ka N Bhogi, Yan Paapi Duniya N Ka N Sunai”,
Jaunsari poetess Sunita Chauhan captivated the audience with “Shuniya Logo! Jaunsar Ki Baata Rita Hare Bhare Dokhre Kyariya”.
Suresh Snehi’s poem “Hatas Nirash Udas Bhula Ni Honu Ni Honu Ni Honu Chhora” resonated with listeners.
Other poets who shared their works included Beena Bainjwal, Dinesh Dabral, Shanti Nabiyal, Shanti Binjola, Raksha Baudai, Priya Dewali, Archana Gaur, Siddhi Dobhal, Manoj Bhatt Garhwali, Madhurvadini Tiwari, Anjana Kandwal, and Vinita Maithani.
Doon Library and Research Centre’s Program Associate Chandrashekhar Tiwari welcomed the participants and introduced the library’s mission, while Dhaad Sanstha’s coordinator Beena Kandari greeted the poets and co-coordinator Premlata Sajwan moderated the event.
The event was attended by prominent literary figures, young writers, and intellectuals from Dehradun, including Narendra Singh Rawat, Vinita Maithani, Sundar Singh Bisht, Kulbhushan Naithani, Dr. Rakesh Bhatt, Kanta Dangwal, Dr. Muniram Saklani, Geeta Dewali, Vinod Bisht, Alok Sareen, Shoorveer Bhandari, Pankaj, Shailendra Nautiyal, Bhagchand, Vinay Kuksal, and Vinod Bisht.
