Quick Summary
- G.K. Panikkar, director of the International School of Dravidian Linguistics, Thiruvananthapuram, emphasized the potential of the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysuru, too become a global leader in language research and problem-solving.
- During his address at CIIL’s 57th foundation day celebrations,he urged the Government of India to provide CIIL wiht greater autonomy and enhanced academic,financial,and administrative support.
- CIIL has been instrumental in protecting and documenting minor languages, including tribal languages with fewer than 10,000 speakers. Researchers have created grammars and lexicons for these languages.
- Efforts include preparing primary education textbooks for tribal students in their mother tongues before transitioning them to regional major languages.
- The institute contributes to multilingualism by training school teachers from North Indian states in South Indian languages as part of implementing the three-language formula. This initiative continues today with an expanded scope across major Indian languages.
- Panikkar suggested using AI and technology innovations for language problem-solving and fostering higher education in regional mother tongues through resources like science term dictionaries.
- The ‘Bhasha Sanchika’ portal – a digital repository developed via D-Space – was launched during the event. It aims to preserve linguistic diversity by documenting and promoting Indian languages using advanced technology tools.
Indian Opinion Analysis
the contributions highlighted demonstrate CIIL’s critical role in preserving India’s linguistic heritage while addressing educational barriers faced by minority language speakers. Its work aligns with India’s ethos as a culturally diverse nation where over 19,500 dialects coexist but face challenges due to globalization pressures.
The launch of Bhasha Sanchika is especially noteworthy as it integrates technological advancements into preservation efforts – crucial for both documentation accessibilities on rare linguistic assets worldwide and fostering inclusivity within academia through scientific learning aids tailored toward native tongues.
Strategically reinforcing institutions like CIIL can ensure sustainable progress not only linguistically but culturally too; however systemic government funding paired with operational independence remains paramount if India is committed consciously expanding policies reflective entwined heritage forward propelled modern needs balanced equality innovation alike
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