IIT Bhubaneswar, celebrated the Matri Bhasha Diwas on 21.02.2016.

Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, celebrated the Matri Bhasha Diwas on 21.02.2016 to commemorate the International Mother Language Day- a day dedicated to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and  multilingualism . The event was celebrated in the presence of  the students (i.e. mainly by M.Tech/M.Sc(2nd Yr) and Research Scholars as Mid-Semester examination was due to start from 22nd February), staff, officers, faculty and  functionaries (i.e. Director, Deputy Director, Deans, Heads, Registrar, Deputy Registrar, etc) of the Institute. The event was comprised of mainly the inaugural function followed by cultural activities showcasing the linguistic diversities of the country. 

The Chief Guest for the occasion was Prof. S.C. Satapathy, Former Head of P.G. Department of English, Utkal University who shared his views on Linguistic Diversity and the importance of Mother Tongue in the present context. The Guest of Honour, renowned Odissi classical vocalist and academician Dr. Mitali Chinara spoke on the Cultural importance of Mother Tongue.

The talks were followed by a song recital in Hindi and Odia by Dr. Mitali Chinara and her associated group.   Students, staff and faculty members showcased their linguistic diversity by rendering songs in their mother tongue (Hindi, Odia, Bengali, Malayalam, etc.) and performing in local dance forms. All the performers were felicitated by the Director, IIT Bhubaneswar, Prof. R.V. Rajakumar, who encouraged the talent of the students and highlighted the fact that as they are  proactive,  IIT Bhubaneswar is able to  put up such nice performances which scale up the celebrations on a regular basis. The vote of thanks was proposed by Dean Student Affairs, Prof. S.K. Mahapatra.