Mysuru: A delegation of 60 members, including indigenous community representatives, students and faculty from Karnataka State Tribal Research Institute (KSTRI), Mysuru and Adivasi Study Centre, Kergalli, recently visited the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysuru.

The event was a part of KSTRI’s five-day Skill Development Training Camp on Traditional Knowledge and Present Livelihood of Indigenous Communities.

The programme, designed for 12 forest-based indigenous communities from Karnataka, aimed to enhance their understanding of sustainable livelihood opportunities while empowering them with traditional knowledge.

The visit provided participants with insights into linguistic research, language preservation initiatives and CIIL’s contributions to the promotion and development of Indian languages.

The delegation was received by CIIL Director Prof. Shailendra Mohan, along with senior faculty members Dr. P.R. Dharmesh Fernandez, Dr. Pankaj Dwivedi, and Dr. Aleendra Brahma.

Resource persons Dr. Nagaraj, Dr. Sulochana Singh and Dr. N. Murali Mohana briefed the participants on CIIL’s mission, vision and ongoing projects, with a special focus on the Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages (SPPEL) and Orthography Development for Languages of North East India (ODLNEI).

Dr. K.V. Krishnamurthy, Research Officer at the Centre for the Study of Indigenous Peoples, was also present.

The CIIL team showcased the institute’s efforts in safeguarding tribal and regional languages, highlighting innovative digital and print resources developed to document, preserve and promote endangered languages.

The participants gained a deeper understanding of CIIL’s initiatives aimed at supporting linguistic diversity in tribal and rural communities.

The visit marked a significant step in strengthening ties between CIIL and indigenous communities, reinforcing a shared commitment to preserving India’s linguistic heritage.

Expressing their appreciation, the community members and students lauded CIIL’s dedication to empowering indigenous groups through language research and resource development.

The visit concluded with a renewed sense of collaboration and a collective vision for ensuring the survival and growth of India’s indigenous languages.