Rengma Nthenyi Academy Launched to Boost Mother Tongue

The Rengma Nthenyi Literature Board Chunlikha (RNLBC) inaugurated the *Rengma Nthenyi Academy* on August 25 at the NRCF Building in Chunlikha, with DPDB Tseminyu chairman and MLA Ar. Jwenga Seb attending as the special guest.

In his address, Seb underscored the significance of mother tongues, noting that *"others will know who you are through your language."* He observed that a strong grasp of one's dialect strengthens proficiency in other languages such as English, Hindi, and Nagamese, comparing the process to planting a tree whose shade and fruit benefit future generations.

The event featured a dedicatory prayer by Rev. Tusaya Kath and a musical performance by the Kithagha Union Baptist Church Youth Ministry Choir. RNLBC secretary Dr. Shasinlo Magh chaired the programme, while chairman Khinyi Woch traced the dialect's steady progress since its official recognition by the Government of Nagaland in 2017.

The Academy's *Prospectus* was also released, and Language Assistant Shelepfü Kath received a *Proficiency Certificate* for his contribution to Nthenyi literature.