Dr Khrukulu Khusoh, Asst Professor from Department of Political Science, IUN.
Dimapur, March 28 (MExN): The ICFAI University Nagaland (IUN) held the Kairos Lecture series on the topic ‘Mother Tongue: Why it Matters’ on March 27.
A press release issued by the university stated that resource person, Dr Khrukulu Khusoh, Asst Professor from Department of Political Science, discussed how language serves as a soft power tool, enabling countries to shape global perceptions and gain political, economic, and social advantages.
She emphasised the role of the mother tongue in intellectual development, highlighting that fluency in one’s native language supports faster cognitive and intellectual growth.
Additionally, preserving mother tongues is vital for maintaining culture, as language transmits traditions, values, and histories, forming a core part of personal and community identity. The speaker also addressed the growing preference for English in Naga families, even at home, while the mother tongue is often neglected.
Despite English's global role as a lingua franca, Dr Khusoh urged the importance of retaining native languages to protect cultural heritage. She noted the trend of young people adopting foreign cultures, such as Korean, while disregarding their own. The speaker encouraged youth to take pride in their heritage and pass it on to future generations.
The lecture concluded with a discussion on India's efforts to promote mother tongue education and the constitutional support for regional languages.
