DIMAPUR: With a view to preserve and promote mother tongue, the International Day of Worlds Indigenous Peoples organised by Tir Yimyim – Ao Vernacular daily newspaper — under the theme Indigenous Languages was organized at Elim Hall, Dimapur Ao Baptist Arogo recently. Founder and Editor, Tir Yimyim, KTemjen Jamir, while dwelling on the significance of the day, said that more than 6,000 languages in the world are on the verge of getting extinct and to safeguard the loss of those Indigenous Languages the UN has designated 2019 to be the year of indigenous languages. He said that the International Day of Worlds Indigenous Peoples is observed on August 9 every year, marking the day of the first meeting of the UN working group on indigenous people on promotion and protection of human rights in 1982. Rev. C. Walu Walling, who spoke on the topic “Yashi, tanu aser asung Ao oshi jenjang” stated that the idendity and foundation of a nation is the language. He said that the first Christian missionary Rev.Dr. EW Clark developed the Ao dialect into a language by introducing the Roman script and further compiled an Ao Naga Dictionary in 1911. Since then several initiatives have been taken up at different levels to promote and preserve the same though it was not always a smooth journey, the Ao language is now in a position to introduce in university level. Rev. also shared his experiences and challenges faced during his association with literature board at different levels. He also informed the gathering about the process of starting “Jungliyimti Academy” which has been put up to Ao Senden for approval. If become a reality, he said, the Academy would help many scholars and also help preserve and protect the Ao language. Language officer, Department of Education, Takowati who also attended the programme as one of the speakers briefed the gathering about the difficulties while performing and said that if ASLB put in place a proper dictionary there wont be any problem in future. He also spoke about the importance of healthy relationship between ASLB and the language section in the department and fair recommendation of candidate for language teacher to make sure that the younger generation are in good hands, stated a release. Secretary, Ao-Senden Literature Board, I.Temjen Tsudir also highlighted the various steps taken up by different organizations to promote Ao language. President Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur, L. Wati Jamir also exhorted the gathering. Other highlights of the day included songs by Abiogenesis and Anungba Sanglir. The programme was chaired by Tinujungshi Tsudir while invocation prayer was pronounced by Rev.L. Kari Longchar. Also Read: International Day of the Worlds Indigenous People Observed in Lakhimpur Also Watch: Mangaldoi youth opts for celebrating Republic and Independence Day in a unique manner

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