13/08/2025
The Indian Institute of Information Technology, Senapati, Manipur hosted a one-day programme, Empowering Education Through Mother Tongue, on 9th August 2025 at its City Campus, Mantripukhri, Imphal. Jointly conducted with Mylai Thiruvalluvar Tamil Sangam and the Federation of International Thirukkural Forums of Thiruvalluvar Chair, Tamil Nadu Open University, Chennai, the event emphasised the significance of learning in one’s mother tongue, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and advocating a decolonial approach to education.
The day began with a spirited quiz competition based on the theme Empowering Education Through Mother Tongue. In the school category, conducted in Meeteilon, six selected schools participated: Rama Krishna Mission School, Imphal; Keishamthong High School; JNV Imphal West; JNV Bishnupur; Srivan Higher Secondary School; and Central High School, Chalou. Rama Krishna Mission School took the first prize of Rs. 5,000, Keishamthong High School the second prize of Rs. 4,000, and JNV Imphal West the third prize of Rs. 3,000. The fourth and fifth prizes of Rs 2,000 and Rs 1,000 went to JNV Bishnupur and Srivan Higher Secondary School, respectively, with Central High School impressing with its enthusiasm. A parallel quiz for B.Tech Engineering students was also conducted with the same prize amounts. In the afternoon, school students attended screenings of documentary films on M.K. Binodini Devi, G.C. Tongbra, and Laishram Samarendra, offering valuable insights into Manipuri literary and cultural heritage.
The prize distribution ceremony at 4:00 pm was presided over by Prof. N. Lokendra Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University, as Chief Guest, with Prof. Krishnan Baskar, Director of IIIT Manipur, Kalaimamani Dr. Murugan, and Dr. Rajeswari Murugan of MTS Academy, Chennai, as presidium members. Lifetime Achievement Awards were also presented to Prof. S. Arumugam, Vice-Chancellor of Tamil Nadu Open University, and Dr. Thangjam Dhabali Singh, Chairman and MD of BABINA Group of Companies. The Treasure Trove of Scientific Award went to Prof. Ksh. Lal Bihari Sharma of Manipur University. The Treasure Trove of Arts and Culture Award was conferred on Dr. Gurumayum Bijoykumar Sharma, Manipuri writer and critic, Koijam Premkanta Meitei, Pena Artist, Lansana Chanu Thokchom, folk singer and London Keithellakpam, Manipuri fiction writer and Shri Appakutty Vedarathinam, Managing Trustee of Kanyakgurukulam Women Welfare Trust, Tamil Nadu, received the Treasure Trove of Knowledge Award 2025.
The event also saw the release of the 66th edition of Ariviyal Poonga. Speakers highlighted that fostering education through mother tongue is crucial for preserving identity and cultural values, while promoting innovation. In keeping with NEP 2020, they stressed that a decolonial mindset is essential for India’s educational future.
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