ISLAMABAD: Writer Zubeda Mustafa on Friday said children learn much better in their mother languages but unfortunately “we undermine the importance of our own language.”

Speaking at the inaugural session of the fifth Pakistan Mother Languages Literature Festival at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA), Ms Mustafa said no steps had been taken to recognise mother languages as national languages.

The keynote speaker also cited many examples of the developed countries that have successfully implemented the learning of their children in their mother languages.

The festival which coincides with International Mother Languages Day on Feb 21 highlighted the potential of Pakistan’s linguistic and cultural diversity.

The inaugural day of the three-day event saw the presence of over 100 intellectuals, writers and poets besides a large number of audience.

Books and calligraphy exhibitions were inaugurated on the occasion. Folk dancers also performed.

The event is being organised by the Islamabad Indus Cultural Forum in collaboration with PNCA and other institutions.

Other partners and sponsors of the event include Foundation Open Society Institute (FOSI), Friedrich Naumann Foundation Pakistan (FNF), Alternative Research Initiative (ARI), Punjab Institute of Language, Art and Culture (PILAC), Culture Department, Government of Sindh, ECO Science Foundation, Pakistan Science Foundation, Society for Alternative Media and Research (Samar) and other organisations.

Briefing about this year’s attractions at a news briefing, Chairperson of Indus Cultural Forum Niaz Nadeem said there would be 20 diverse sessions in the festival which will comprise discussions, book launches, poetry recitations, music performances and theatrical performances.

Other attractions will include paintings and antiques exhibitions, children’s science fun activities and bookstalls.

“We are striving for equal dignity and respect for all Pakistani languages as they represent rich heritage and folk wisdom of millions of Pakistanis,” said Niaz Nadeem.

He said special attention had been given to the constitutional equality of all languages and sessions had been designed in this regard.

Earlier, PNCA Director General Dr Fouzia Saeed said mother language played an important role in personality building and it was a key component of development for human society.

Representative of Foundation Open Society Pakistan (FOSI) Nargis Sultana said: “Respect for linguistic rights is critical for empowering communities and reducing discrimination.

“The festival is to promote Pakistan’s linguistic and cultural diversity by fostering critical thinking and learning through effective use of creative expression in mother languages.”

Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) for Freedom-Pakistan’s head of Programme and Administration Mohammad Anwar said his institution celebrated linguistic and cultural diversity of Pakistan. He said FNF works with partners to bring out real potential of Pakistani languages so that people of Pakistan were aware of their rich heritage and culture.

Society for Alternative Media and Research (Samar) Chief Executive Mazhar Arif said diversity of languages, cultures and peoples was real Pakistan. Recognition and appreciation of this diversity guarantees the strength and prosperity of the country.

Published in Dawn, February 22nd, 2020