One cannot expect to seize in poetry the finer and more elusive tones, which are so important, in a learned language, however welllearnt, as in one's native or natural tongue. Sri Aurobindo
There were prophets who spoke, and everyone heard in his native tongue—he spoke in any particular language, but each of those present heard in his native tongue.
The Mother
In celebration of International Mother Language Day and the Birthday of the Mother, AuroBharati, part of the Sri Aurobindo Society in the Union Territory of Puducherry, hosted a symposium titled " Voices on Multilingual Education: Celebrating Diversity Through Language: A Path to Peace and Sustainability" on February 21, 2026.
During the event, Dr. Kishor Kumar Tripathy, Member Secretary of AuroBharati, underscored the importance of International Mother Language Day in bringing together various languages and communities to promote peace and sustainability. He acknowledged the Mother’s role in advancing multilingual perspectives that encourage harmony and global unity through her spiritual mission.
Distinguished scholars such as Shri Varun Vidyarthi, a former faculty member at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Prof. Amit Dholakia, Head of the Department of Political Science at The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Dr. Padma Priya S from Pondicherry University, and Dr. Sundar Murugan, Founder of ABAY NGO in Puducherry, contributed innovative insights on language, education, and collective consciousness.
Shri Varun Vidyarthi addressed the theme "Language is Life," stressing that context is vital for grasping meaning and truth. In reference to Sri Aurobindo's vision, he emphasized the significance of integral education and language in fostering holistic development and enhancing human awareness.
Prof. Amit Dholakia expressed that language ought to be regarded not merely as a means of communication but as a manifestation of collective consciousness and social equilibrium. He underscored the importance of safeguarding endangered languages as a core element of International Mother Language Day and advocated for the need to transcend linguistic dominance while acknowledging language as a representation of the Mother and an intangible cultural heritage.
Dr. Padma Priya S elaborated on the role of language as an essential medium of expression that embodies the diversity and unity of Indic traditions. She examined the connections between oral and written forms, scientific viewpoints on multilingualism, and the wealth of similarities present among Indian languages.
Dr. Sundar Murugan emphasized the importance of classical languages and their lasting contributions to Indian civilization and literary heritage. He discussed the works of Mahakavi Subramania Bharati and their influence on national consciousness, while also referencing the vision of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother concerning the revitalization of Indian languages. He highlighted that fostering classical and regional languages enhances cultural continuity and inspires future generations.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Kishor Kumar Tripathy reiterated that the preservation of cultural identity, enhanced learning outcomes, inclusion, and equal opportunities are vital results of multilingual education. He asserted that fostering peace through understanding, promoting sustainable development, empowering diverse voices in global dialogue, and celebrating diversity as a strength are shared responsibilities.
The session concluded with thought-provoking discussions that underscored the notion that linguistic diversity cultivates mutual respect, fortifies democracy, and supports sustainable futures on a global scale.
This event convened scholars, educators, and social thinkers to contemplate the transformative influence of languages in fostering harmony, cultural continuity, and sustainable development within a diverse society.
