Tezu Contest Sparks Push to Preserve Mishmi Language

The Lohit District Administration has proposed making the Inter-School Mishmi Speech Competition an annual event after its first edition drew strong participation from students. Held at Amik Ringya Hall in Tezu, the contest featured two categories, Kaman and Taroan, with students speaking on *Solid Waste Management* and *Opium Cultivation and its Ill Effects* respectively, linking language use to pressing social concerns.

Officials, including the Deputy Commissioner, stressed that several indigenous languages of Arunachal Pradesh are endangered and require sustained community effort for preservation, even as Hindi remains valued as a wider medium of communication. Speakers emphasised that language is deeply tied to identity, culture and tradition, urging parents and community organisations to encourage children to speak Mishmi at home.

Chief Guest Basanlu Dellang and other elected representatives praised the initiative for combining language preservation with awareness on social issues. CALSOM Chairman Sokhep Kri proposed expanding the competition to Anjaw district and turning winning speeches into awareness videos, blending language promotion with social messaging. The event underscored the need for collective, sustained action to safeguard Mishmi language and culture for future generations.