India is rich with  different cultures, literatures and linguistic expressions and this diversity is the most unique feature of our great nation. It is through the development of strong sense and knowledge of their own cultural history, arts, languages, and traditions that students can build a positive cultural identity and self- esteem. Unfortunately Indian languages have not received their due attention and care with the country losing over 220 languages in the past 50 years. The NEP 2020 recommends for the need of more higher education institutions that offer programmes using mother tongues as medium of instruction in order to  is promote the strength, usage, and vibrancy of all Indian languages. Strengthening the departments and programmes in Indian languages, comparative literature and  creative writing is the need of the hour. 

All the languages have their own beauty and vibrancy. While the Indian languages are presented in their historical and cultural form, the foreign languages provide all the cross cultural nuances to students on the threshold of geographical and professional mobility. In order to redefine the role of second language in the curriculum of HE, the Department of Languages has moved from just the study of ‘second language’ to the study of language, literature and culture. The curriculum includes art forms like music, theatre, painting, sculpture and films to introduce the students to the five decade old Indian civilization and culture and to offer them an aesthetic experience.

Students are encouraged to share their cultural knowledge imbibed from their family through Bhasha Parishat or Centre for Culture to see the glorious tradition of Indian heterogeneous culture with a diachronic and synchronic approach. The Wikipedia project undertaken by the Indian language students in association with the Centre for Internet and Society for the digitalization of literary texts is the largest platform in Asia. Bhasha Utsav and Ethnic Day, the major festival of the department brings the entire University together as one family. The Kannada Sangha, Publication wing of the Department of Kannada, renowned all over the country, has to date 253 publications to its credit.

From a department, complacent in offering second languages,  the department has come a long way. With the flexibility afforded by the autonomy status to the institution in 2005, the department resorted to a revamping of the syllabus with an annual review of the same and a complete change over, once in three years. The shift to language, literature and culture has brought the desired impact, creating an awareness through talks and panel discussions. While Yakshagana and Bhasha Utsav & Ethnic Day, introduced since 2006 have been ideal platforms to showcase the folk arts and connect the youth to their roots, culture and tradition; the language competitions have offered the perfect space to encourage literary and artistic skills.

In response to the demands of a University to create and disseminate knowledge, the faculty have made significant contributions in peer reviewed journals, including a major research project and three monographs. It has also initiated  collaborative and interdisciplinary projects, quality publications, consultation services and international collaborations. 

Dr Sebastian K A
hod.languages@christuniversity.in