Leh, May 15 : Describing India’s linguistic diversity as the foundation of the country’s civilisational identity, former Member of Parliament Jamyang Tsering Namgyal has called for sustained efforts to preserve indigenous languages, particularly Bhoti and other Himalayan dialects, while inaugurating the 46th Three-Day All India Official Language Training Camp and Conference in Leh.
The conference, organised by the Bhartiya Bhasha Evam Sanskriti Kendra at Hotel Singge Palace and Hotel Northern Singge, seeks to promote effective implementation of the Official Language Policy of the Government of India alongside the preservation and promotion of Indian languages and cultural traditions. The event, which commenced on May 13, will continue till May 15 with participation from officials, language experts and representatives of government institutions from across the country.
Addressing the inaugural session, Namgyal said India’s 121 languages and thousands of dialects collectively embody the country’s cultural continuity and intellectual heritage built over centuries through the contributions of scholars, saints and communities across regions.
He stressed the importance of granting constitutional recognition to the Bhoti language by including it in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India. Referring to the linguistic traditions of Ladakh and the Himalayan belt, he said Bhoti remains deeply linked to the region’s spiritual and cultural identity.
Namgyal also appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for recognising Bhoti as an official language of the Union Territory of Ladakh, describing the decision as an important intervention towards safeguarding the cultural identity of the Himalayan region.
Calling for wider preservation efforts, he urged institutions and policymakers to extend support towards Balti, Purgi, Dardi-Aryan, Dardi-Shina and other commonly spoken Ladakhi languages. Languages, he observed, are not merely mediums of communication but repositories of collective memory, cultural consciousness and social continuity.
The conference also witnessed participation from Dr. Sunil Luthra, Director of the All India Council for Technical Education, who attended as special guest, while former Ministry of Home Affairs Director Rakesh Kumar participated as guest of honour.
Secretary of the organising body, Mahipal Singh, outlined the objectives of the conference and highlighted the organisation’s continued engagement with issues related to language promotion and implementation of official language policy since its establishment in 1994.
Proceedings of the inaugural session were conducted by former Deputy Director (Official Language) Devi Prasad Mishra.
During the event, seven senior officers of the Government of India were felicitated with commendation certificates for their contribution towards the promotion and implementation of Official Language Hindi. Several ministries, public sector undertakings and government departments were also honoured for their performance in official language implementation.
Over the next two days, technical sessions will deliberate on subjects including the Official Language Policy, Parliamentary Official Language Committee procedures, noting and drafting in Hindi, functional Hindi and technical translation, with participants expected to exchange administrative experiences and policy perspectives related to language use in governance and public institutions.
