EFLU Shillong concludes national conference on Bhartiya Bhasha Pariwar

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 1, 2025

The Two-Day National Conference on “Bhartiya Bhasha Pariwar: Strengthening National Unity through Linguistic and Literary Exchange” concluded on August 29, 2025, at the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), Regional Campus, Shillong. The programme featured special lectures, technical sessions, and paper presentations on linguistic diversity, literary exchange, policy implementation, and language preservation.

The seminar was inaugurated on August 28 in collaboration with the Bhartiya Bhasha Samiti, Ministry of Education, New Delhi. The ceremony began with the traditional lighting of the lamp and a welcome address by Prof. Mousumi Guha Banerjee, Director of EFLU Shillong, who set the tone for the dialogue on the role of Indian languages in fostering unity amid diversity.

Padma Shri Chamu Krishna Shashtri, Chairman of the Bhartiya Bhasha Samiti, shared a video message underscoring India’s multilingual ethos. He affirmed that all mother tongues are national languages and emphasized that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is actively promoting India’s linguistic heritage. “National pride stands above linguistic pride, diversity is our beauty, and unity is our strength,” he stated.

Guest of Honour Prof. Pinakeswar Mahanta, Director of NIT Meghalaya, highlighted the endangered languages of Meghalaya and proposed revitalization through community participation, documentation, and educational integration. Chief Guest Prof. H. K. Mishra of NEHU, and the newly appointed Director of the Central Hindi Directorate, described India as a unique multilingual and multicultural democracy where languages serve as a powerful unifying force.

EFLU Vice Chancellor Prof. N. Nagaraju, addressing the gathering online, reflected on India’s unity since Independence and urged further strengthening of linguistic and literary exchange. The inauguration concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Rosy Yumnam, DR I/c (Admin.).

The Valedictory Session was held on August 29, with Prof. Bibhash Choudhury of Gauhati University as the speaker, chaired by Prof. Mousumi Guha Banerjee.