International Mother Language Day was observed with great enthusiasm and academic spirit at Jagannath Barooah University on Saturday, February 21, 2026. The programme was organized by the Research Scholars’ Forum of the Department of Assamese at the University Conference Hall, bringing together teachers, students, and scholars to celebrate linguistic diversity and cultural heritage.

The celebration commenced at 10:00 a.m. with a Quiz Competition in which fourteen teams participated with keen interest. The competition was conducted by Mr. Subhashish Sharma of the Department of Political Science, who encouraged participants to engage deeply with themes related to language, culture, and history.

The main session and prize distribution ceremony began at 12:00 noon and was anchored by Nayan Chetia, Secretary of the Research Scholars’ Forum. At the outset, Bidisha Bora, a fourth-semester undergraduate student of the Department of Assamese, explained the objectives of the programme, highlighting the importance of observing International Mother Language Day to promote awareness about linguistic identity and preservation.

The formal inauguration was carried out by the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of Jagannath Barooah University, Dr. Jyotiprasad Saikia, who spoke on the historical background and global significance of the day. The programme was graced by the Registrar, Dr. Utpal Jyoti Mahanta, and the Academic Dean, Dr. Surajit Sharma, along with faculty members of the Department of Assamese and participants from various departments. In their addresses, the dignitaries emphasized the need to preserve and promote mother languages within academic and social spaces.

The invited speaker, Dr. Salim Ali Ahmed, Associate Professor of the Department of Assamese, delivered an insightful lecture on the relevance of mother languages in the contemporary world and underscored the responsibility of the younger generation in safeguarding linguistic heritage.

The prize distribution ceremony followed thereafter. In the Essay Competition, Jugantar Madhab Saikia secured the first position, followed by Sristi Saikia in second place and Pragyan Pratim Sharma in third place. In the Quiz Competition, the team comprising Jugantar Madhab Saikia and Tridib Lochan Bora secured the first position, while Samir Rajkonwar and Ankurjyoti Bora stood second, and Utpal Deka and Ankur Jyoti Kalita secured the third position.

Later, Mr. Akash Dipta Thakur, Assistant Professor of the Department of Physics and a noted short story writer, addressed the participants and reflected on the significance of mother languages in literary and cultural expression.

The cultural segment added vibrancy to the celebration. It began with a Sattriya dance performance by Nilutpal Gogoi, adjudged Best Dancer of Jagannath Barooah University for 2026. Silpisikha Konwar, Assistant Professor of the Department of Assamese and a research scholar, recited a poem suited to the spirit of the occasion. Mr. Sandeep Sankar Regan of the Department of Political Science spoke on the contemporary relevance of mother languages and presented a traditional Mising song. The programme also featured a creative dance performance by research scholar Samikshya Hazarika, followed by song rendition by students Biraj Gogoi and Chandrupal Bora, bringing the cultural presentations to a lively conclusion.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Rashmita Bora, President of the Research Scholars’ Forum of the Department of Assamese. The programme concluded with the collective rendition of the State Anthem of Assam, “O Mur Apunar Desh,” marking a fitting end to the meaningful celebration.