Indian Language Fest’- Symbolic of India’s Cultural Heritage on 24 March 2023:

“ We need to be proud of every language in our country. When we are connected with our roots, then only can we fly high.” This was the message conveyed by our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji, to his countrymen on 15 August 2022. Keeping his words in mind Department of Information and Technology of JEC, organised the ‘ Indian Language Fest’ on 24 March 2023. This programme was a part of the series of events being organised by the college under the aegis of

Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav .The purpose of this fest was to bring out the wealth of languages that are spoken in India. Dr P.K. Jhinge, while addressing the students, said that knowing your mother tongue well is a matter of pride. Giving examples from his own experiences, Dr Jhinge opined that people feel comfortable when they speak their mother tongue and dialect. It gives them a feeling of close bonding, but using a foreign language gives people some emotional distance. Speaking on this occasion, Prof Loveleen Kaur Pabla, HOD, Department of Information Technology, highlighted the difference between mother tongue and dialect. She expedited the thought that the language spoken

in India changes every few kilometres. After the address of the principal and other faculty members, the stage was handed over to the students. This fest featured various contests like kavi sammelan, songs, dances, exhibitions etc. to bring out the cultural diversity of India and make the students aware of the rich heritage of our country. The programme started with Kavi sammelan in which poetries were recited in languages like Sanskrit, Marathi, Bangla, Punjabi, Nepali etc. This was followed by melodious songs sung by students in different languages. The epicentre centre of this event was the song “ Mile sur mera tumhara --.” composed by Pandit Bhimsenji Joshi highlighting India's linguistics communities.

The students presented folk dances in styles like Garba, Bihu, Bhangra, Lavani etc.. The participants were dressed in costumes which were native and closely associated with the customs of the originating states. These folk dances reflected the diversity of Indian tradition and culture. A painting

exhibition was also organized in which the students depicted. different lifestyles, social relationships, religious affiliations etc. of the people living in ancient and contemporary India. While proposing a vote of thanks, Prof Avita Fuskele said that communicating in a foreign language may not activate feelings and further emphasised the fact that the mother tongue is a roof of any culture and it is meaningless to imagine any culture without the use of the mother tongue. The aim of this fest was to inspire the students to reflect on their own cultural values and make them realize that India is symbolized by the plurality of its culture