21 - 27 June 2025

1. UNESCO Project to Create Digital Archive for Tribal Languages

JNU professor Sonajharia Minz is leading a UNESCO project to create proprietary digital platforms for tribal languages where Adivasi communities control access to their cultural knowledge, alongside developing early education curriculum in tribal languages.

2. ‘Harmukh’ Bridges Kashmiri and Kannada in Groundbreaking Film

The first-ever film combining Kashmiri and Kannada languages premiered to a packed audience in Srinagar. 'Harmukh' showcases cultural exchange between North and South India while revitalizing cinematic storytelling in Kashmir after decades of cultural silence.

3. Nagaland MP Pushes for Tribal Languages as ‘Third Language’ Recognition

MP Jamir urged CM Rio to officially recognize Nagaland's tribal languages as "third language," noting that current postal job recruitment evaluates only English/Hindi skills, disadvantaging locals. Recognition would create employment opportunities and improve locals' competitiveness in government positions.

4. Controversy Erupts Over Tulu Language Use in Karnataka's Gram Panchayat Meetings

A letter asking officials to prioritize Kannada over Tulu in gram panchayat meetings sparked outrage in Karnataka. Officials clarified no ban exists on Tulu, which is commonly used even in the Legislative Assembly. The incident highlights ongoing tensions around regional language recognition.

5. Assamese Folk Tales Enter Arabic World Through JNU Scholar’s Translation

JNU researcher Abu Syed Ansari has translated the beloved Assamese fairy tale collection "Burhi Aair Sadhu" into Arabic, making it available in 22 Arabic-speaking countries. This rare Assamese-to-Arabic translation bridges cultures and introduces Assamese literature internationally.

6. CIIL Workshop Finalizes 16 Language & Cultural Handbooks for Navodaya Schools

A 5-day workshop in Mysuru is finalizing 16 language and cultural handbooks for Navodaya Vidyalayas across India, promoting multilingualism and cultural literacy among students in alignment with NEP-2020's vision of linguistic diversity and national unity.

7. Three-Day Tulu Cultural Festival Begins With Call for Language Recognition

A three-day festival "Tuluverena Tulunada Sante" in Bantwal showcases Tulu literature and culture. Speakers highlighted the urgency for official recognition of Tulu language, spoken by 1.5 crore Indians, with former minister Ramanath Rai even suggesting aspirations for a separate Tulu Nadu state.

8. Kashmiri Novel Makes Historic International Breakthrough

Akhtar Mohiuddin's 1975 Kashmiri novel "To Each Their Own Hell," translated by Mehdi Khawaja, won a major prize at the Himal Southasian Fiction Fest—marking the first time a Kashmiri novel has received global recognition and will be published in English in the US.

9. Farooq Abdullah Urges Filmmakers to Produce More Kashmiri-Language Films

Former J&K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah advocated for more Kashmiri-language films after attending the premiere of 'Harmukh', a Kashmiri-Kannada film. He suggested dubbing these films in other languages to reach wider audiences while showcasing Kashmir's beauty and local talent.

10. Karnataka Enforces Kannada Mandate for All Government Communications

Karnataka government is strictly enforcing its 1963 language act, requiring all administrative documents, communications, and proceedings to be in Kannada. Officials face disciplinary action for non-compliance, as many departments continue using English despite repeated directives.

11. Sanskrit Receives 17 Times More Funding Than Five Other Classical Indian Languages Combined

RTI data reveals the central government spent ₹2532.59 crore on Sanskrit between 2014-2025, dwarfing the ₹147.56 crore allocated to Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Odia combined, despite Sanskrit having negligible speakers compared to these widely-spoken languages.

12. JCB Prize for Literature Quietly Exits, Major Loss for Indian Languages

India's richest literary prize appears to have shut down without official announcement. The award boosted translated works, with 5 of 7 winners being translations from Malayalam, Tamil, and Urdu, raising concerns about lost visibility for regional Indian literature.

13. 6th International Punjabi Conference Begins in Brampton, Canada

World Punjabi Sabha Canada launched its 6th International Conference in Brampton to strengthen Punjabi language, literature and culture. Dr. Waryam Singh Sandhu urged attendees to promote their mother tongue starting from their homes, emphasizing Punjabi as a language of love and connection.