‘Language is a powerful tool for friendship, cultural ties and economic relationships’
Mysuru: “South Asia is a home for several languages which is a powerful tool for friendship, cultural ties and economic relationships,” said Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad, former MP and member of Kendriya Hindi Samithi.
He was speaking after inaugurating a three-day 13th International Conference of South Asian Languages and Literature (ICOSAL-13) organised jointly by Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) and Indian Institute of Language Studies (IILS), New Delhi which commenced this morning at CIIL premises here.
About 200 delegates from Russia, USA, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Singapore and various parts of the country are participating in the conference, which features presentation of topics on linguistics and interactions.
Former MP and Kendriya Hindi Samithi Member Prof. Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad (fourth from left) and IILS Chairman Omkar. N. Koul are seen lighting the lamp to inaugurate the ICOSAL-13 at CIIL in city this morning as other dignitaries look on.
Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad contended that mother tongue was the basis for learning all other languages and added that learning a second language makes a person smarter. He pointed out that technological developments had evolved more ways of communication. However, he said that it was unfortunate that language had become the source of social-political conflicts.
Speaking as the Guest of Honour, Moscow State University Honorary Professor Boris A. Zakharyin opined that linguistics need more thrust in India which has rich contribution through Sanskrit to Philosophy and Literature.
He indicated that other countries too have begun research on those subjects.
IILS Chairman Omkar N. Koul briefed the gathering on the orig in and growth of ICOSAL. CIIL Director D.G. Rao presided. ICOSAL-13 Organising Secretary Umarani Pappuswamy, Joint organising Secretary Dr. L. Ramamurthy and others were present.
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