Language is knowledge & power: Minister Imna Along

Nagaland Minister, Temjen Imna Along speaking during the valedictory function of the 14th International Conference and Golden Jubilee of the English Language Teachers’ Association of India (ELTAI) hosted by Amity University Uttar Pradesh on October 12 at Noida, UP. 
 

DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 13 (MExN): Nagaland Minister of Higher Education & Technical Education and Tribal Affairs, Temjen Imna Along has stated that “language is power” and called for the preservation of all languages and dialects in the country. 

The Minister said this as the chief guest during the valedictory function of the 14th International Conference and Golden Jubilee of the English Language Teachers’ Association of India (ELTAI) hosted by Amity University Uttar Pradesh on October 12 at Noida, UP. 

The four days’ event consisted of five hundred research paper presentations by English professors and teachers across the country and 23 foreign delegates; numerous featured talks, workshops and literary festival. 

“The Bible says, in the beginning there was word and the word was God; so language is power. In the present world, one need not go with guns and ammunition, but once one equips oneself with language, one becomes powerful,” Along stated. 

He went on to say that “it is not just one’s knowledge of language that matters but the way one speaks that language which reveals the speaker’s character. Language carries cultural heritage and gives the opportunity to the speaker to represent the cultural heritage of their land in their act of speaking”. 

He added that, “Indian English is becoming global language. With English language gaining importance everywhere, it is also important to preserve the diversity of our nation by preserving our Indian languages and dialects”. 

Prof. Dr. Balvinder Shukla, Vice Chancellor of Amity University Uttar Pradesh, with a congratulatory note to the organizing team for the success of the conference added that the English teachers across the country have a continued responsibility to take English language to everyone in this country. 

Dr. Shravan Kumar, Vice President of ELTAI and Organizing Secretary of the Conference in his vote of thanks added that “there will be void after you leave; however it's not an end; these voids are new openings to meet and move ahead.” 

Dr. Walunir, Associate Professor at Amity University said, “the way Imna Along connected character and cultural heritage with language surfaced a deep idea in tune with the theme of the Conference (‘Right to English’) and the nature and content of his speech reflected his wisdom and humility.” 

Some of the invited dignitaries included Shool Pani, Chairman, Indo American Chamber of Commerce; Shailendra Mani Tripathi, former Chief Bureau, Dainik Jagran; Dr. Narayanan Ramachandran, Pro Vice Chancellor, Amity University Dubai Campus; and Dr Alok Kumar Mishra, Joint Secretary (Evaluation & Meetings), Association of Indian Universities.