Silchar: A solemn three-day programme in memory of language martyrs Jagan and Jishu commenced on Saturday, organised by the Cachar District Committee of the Barak Valley Banga Sahitya O Sanskriti Sammelan.

The event witnessed the participation of people from diverse linguistic backgrounds, including Bengali, Bishnupriya Manipuri, Manipuri, and Assamese-speaking communities, in a show of cultural harmony and shared heritage.

The inaugural ceremony began with floral tributes at the martyr’s memorial, followed by a welcome address from district president Sanjib Deblaskar. The programme is part of the Sammelan’s continuing effort to preserve and honour the legacy of the 1961 Barak Valley Language Movement.

The highlight of the opening day was the Shaheed Sudeshna Sinha Memorial Lecture, delivered by Dr. Dipendu Das, Professor at Assam University. Speaking on “Language Movement in the Context of Barak: Translation in Everyday Struggle of 1961”, Dr. Das expressed concern over the waning interest in mother tongues among the younger generation.

He called for unity among speakers of all languages, including Assamese, Bengali, Manipuri, Bishnupriya Manipuri, and Hindi, stressing that no linguistic group should be seen as adversarial. He underlined the powerful role translation literature can play in promoting empathy, cultural exchange, and solidarity across communities.

The event was attended by several dignitaries. Retired IRS officer Chandrakanta Sinha, who also serves as an advisor to the Nikhil Bishnupriya Manipuri Mahasabha, was present as the chief guest. Swapan Kumar Sinha, Secretary-in-Chief of the Mahasabha, was the special guest.

Among others who addressed the gathering were Gautam Prasad Dutta, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Sammelan, Prof. Bibhas Ranjan Choudhury of the Distance Education Centre, Gauri Dutta Biswas, Uttam Kumar Saha.

The three-day event aims to not only honour the sacrifice of the martyrs but also foster greater linguistic unity in the Barak Valley region, with discussions, lectures, and cultural exchanges scheduled over the next two days.