The 34th Manipuri Language Day celebration in Imphal strongly reiterated the demand for recognition of Meiteilon as a Classical Language, while also underlining the need for a comprehensive state language policy and greater commitment to preserve the mother tongue.
The function, held at the MSFDS Auditorium, Palace Compound, was organised by the State Level Celebration Committee in collaboration with the Department of Art & Culture and the Directorate of Language Planning and Implementation, Manipur. It commemorated the inclusion of Manipuri in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution on August 20, 1992.
In their deliberations, retired professors W. Nabakumar Singh (Anthropology) and Yashawanta Singh (Linguistics) noted the deteriorating condition of the language and stressed that safeguarding Meiteilon is inseparable from preserving Manipur’s culture.
Former MP Th. Meinya Singh highlighted Meiteilon’s role as a lingua franca among Manipur’s diverse communities and called for shifting the Directorate of Language from the Education Department to the Home Ministry for stronger institutional backing. He urged framing of a state-level language policy and renewed the long-standing demand for Classical Language recognition, pointing out that other Scheduled languages like Nepali and Konkani already enjoy that status.
Former Union Minister R.K. Ranjan Singh emphasised that the Manipuri language meets the criteria for Classical recognition, citing records dating back 1,500–2,000 years. He warned against the language’s “endangered” status and called on citizens to take pride in speaking their mother tongue both in daily life and across borders.
Presiding over the function, former Union Minister of State for Home Affairs and Celebration Committee Chairman, Meijinlung Kamson, described Meiteilon as a bridge of unity among Manipur’s different communities. He urged greater efforts to expand its reach as a language of peace and harmony.
The event also featured participation from former Minister of Art & Culture M. Nara Singh, Celebration Committee Convenor Leihaothabam Saratchandra, members of 17 organisations, and other invitees.
Speakers collectively agreed that language and culture are inseparable, and that safeguarding Meiteilon is vital for the identity, unity, and cultural pride of Manipur.
