The Cultural Wing of the Student Life Committee (SLC) commemorated International Mother Language Day on 21 February with a vibrant celebration of linguistic diversity and cultural heritage on campus.
The highlight of the event was a thought-provoking panel discussion on the Importance of Mother Language in Children’s Literature. The panel featured Dr. Satyanarayana Dyavanapalli, Historian and Curator at the Tribal Museum of Telangana; Sri. Yadaiah, author of Uyyala-Jampala (children’s rhymes and poems); and Sri. K Suresh from Manchi Pustakam, a trust dedicated to publishing and promoting children’s books in Telugu. The discussion was moderated by Prof. Harjinder Singh (Laltu). The speakers reflected on the vital role of mother tongues in shaping imagination, identity, and early learning, underscoring the need to nurture regional languages through literature and education.
The event commenced with the iconic song “Mile Sur Mera Tumhara”, celebrating India’s rich linguistic diversity. Adding a powerful cultural dimension to the occasion was a traditional Gussadi dance performance by the Padma Shri awardee Kanakaraju Gussadi Dance Troop from Komaram Bheem Asifabad district, Telangana.
The celebrations also showcased a vibrant array of performances by students and members of the campus community, reflecting the linguistic and cultural plurality that defines IIIT Hyderabad. The Language Club extended warm wishes in seven different languages to mark International Mother Language Day and hosted an engaging Language Quiz featuring challenging questions across diverse linguistic traditions.
The cultural segment included A Journey of Life: Back to the Roots, a Bengali Lokgeeti (folk song) rendered by Dr. Prathit Chatterjee, Scientist, CCNSB, accompanied by Mr. Alimpan Modak from the Cultural Council on the Srikhol. The program also featured Grace of the Divine Mother, an instrumental recital in Raag Mishra Bhairavi by Mr. Alimpan Modak, followed by a recitation of a Bengali poem.
Together, the performances created a meaningful tribute to India’s multilingual heritage and underscored the importance of preserving and celebrating mother languages.
February 2026