The arts—be it music, dance, or painting—have enabled artists to express themselves freely across borders for eons. However, speaking a common language remains one of the easiest and most effective ways for people to communicate and understand one another. India has a cornucopia of regional languages and dialects, an integral part of each region’s cultural heritage. No national language has ever been declared, and many regional languages are endangered or extinct due to inadequate documentation.

Nagaland, home to 19 languages and 16 tribes, exemplifies this linguistic richness. To preserve them, Nagaland University recently organized a convention focused on their documentation and promotion. Language, as a key element of culture, plays a pivotal role in shaping regional identities, as seen in the prevalence of Russian in Kazakhstan or English in India. While Indian English writers like Salman Rushdie have global recognition, regional languages remain vital for connecting with local heritage.

The National Education Policy 2020 emphasizes the importance of learning one’s mother tongue, which connects individuals to their roots and offers insights into local traditions. Languages like Pali, which preserve the teachings of Lord Buddha, and Sanskrit, the language of the Upanishads, offer invaluable cultural and spiritual wisdom. With languages such as Aka-Bo from the Andaman Islands disappearing, documenting these endangered tongues is crucial. The loss of such languages erases not only communication but entire histories. While technology, such as translation apps, helps bridge linguistic gaps, the onus remains on the people to protect, preserve, and promote this invaluable part of India’s cultural heritage.