Kumaun University Hosts Multilingual Academic Program Focusing on Mother Tongues Kumaun University recently concluded a week-long academic program titled "Refresher Course on Indian Languages and Literature," emphasizing the importance of mother tongues in education. The event, organized by the university’s Department of Languages, brought together scholars, linguists, and educators from across India to explore the role of regional languages in academic and cultural contexts. Dr. Divya U. Joshi, the university’s Director, highlighted that the program aimed to foster multilingualism and cultural exchange. Participants, hailing from ten states, engaged in discussions across six languages, showcasing the diversity of India’s linguistic heritage. The initiative sought to bridge gaps in language education and promote inclusive pedagogical practices. Professor L. M. Joshi, the course coordinator, noted that the program featured lectures from renowned linguists, literary critics, and technical experts. These sessions focused on integrating regional languages into modern education systems, leveraging technology for language preservation, and addressing challenges in multilingual classrooms. Dr. Harish Rana, a linguist from the program, emphasized that mother tongues are vital for cognitive development and cultural identity. He called for policies that support bilingual education and the digitization of regional languages to ensure their survival in a globalized world. The event also underscored the need for collaboration between academia and communities to revitalize endangered languages. Participants shared strategies for creating immersive learning environments and using digital tools to document and teach local dialects.#kumaun_university #dr_divya_u_joshi #professor_l_m_joshi #dr_harish_rana
