MP Indra Hang Subba seeks urgent funding for Sikkim University's endangered languages centre

Sikkim Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba met with Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, the Minister of State for Education, Government of India, in New Delhi today to address the pressing financial concerns of the Centre for Endangered Languages (CEL) at Sikkim University. Subba formally submitted a request for the immediate release of funds to ensure the Centre's vital work in preserving the endangered languages of the Eastern Himalayan region continues uninterrupted.

In his meeting, Subba outlined the significant contributions of the CEL since its inception in 2016, under the support of the University Grants Commission (UGC). The Centre has been instrumental in documenting and safeguarding languages at risk of extinction, including Bhujel, Magar, Gurung, Sherpa, and Rai-Rokdung. Furthermore, it has created the Sikkim-Darjeeling Himalayas Endangered Languages Archive (SiDHELA), India’s first dedicated archive for endangered languages, aimed at preserving the linguistic heritage of the region for future generations.

However, the Centre’s operations have been severely impacted by the cessation of UGC funding, which has put its future research and expansion plans in jeopardy. Subba spoke on the urgency of securing financial support, particularly for the second phase of the project, which aims to document even more vulnerable languages from the region.

Dr. Majumdar responded positively, assuring Subba that the issue would be reviewed and necessary actions would be taken promptly. Subba expressed his gratitude to the Minister for the constructive dialogue and reaffirmed his dedication to advancing initiatives that protect India’s rich cultural and linguistic diversity.