Inclusion of Manipur language in 8th Schedule recalled

IMPHAL, Aug 20 : The All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) today observed the 21st Manipuri Language Day at its head-office.
Addressing the gathering as chief guest, former AMSU president Leihaothabam Sharatchandra pointed out that it has been 20 years since the Manipuri Language was put in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Highlighting the need to work harder for development of Manipuri language, Sharatchandra recalled that the movement for Manipuri language gained momentum after attaining statehood in 1971.
In course of the movement, H Banikanta of Sega Road, Jailor Leirak and P Inao of Khabam were killed in police action but their sacrifice was never acknowledged.
Before a separate directorate is set up for Manipuri language, it is necessary to have an open discussion on the works and responsibilities which should be handled by the Directorate.
There is also a need on the part of Manipuri scholars not to work only for Manipuri literature but also for development of Manipuri language, said Sharatchandra.
In the efforts for development of Manipuri language, one cannot afford go astray. As for the existing Language cell, it is unlikely that it would ever come alive, he observed.
Underscoring the importance of compiling a dictionary of Manipuri language, he asserted that it is the duty of the Union Government to include Manipuri scripts among the different scripts inscribed on Indian rupee notes. Sahitya Akademi Awardee Thiyam Saratchand observed that less and less people are speaking complete Manipuri sentences as it has become a popular trend to mix English words in every sentence.
This practice is a serious obstacle to development of Manipuri language. Among the five directorates set up in Tripura for different languages, there is one for Manipuri language, and as a result, Manipur language is making remarkable progress in Tripura. But not a single directorate can be opened in Manipur, despite being the home State of Manipuri language.
Noting many young students are unable to read texts written in Manipuri language, Sharatchandra warned that Manipuri language would become an obsolete language if this trend continues any longer. UCM president Y Nabachandra emphasised the need for preserving and promoting Manipuri language. Promotion of Manipur language as lingua franca for the whole State would go a long way in consolidating integrity of the State.
He also expressed his preference of the term ‘Manipuri language’ in place of Meiteilon as the former can encompass all the communities of Manipur. Among others, the function was also attended by AMSU advisor Khomdram Ratan and AMSU president Thokchom Suresh.