Ranchi, Sept. 7: Any kind of recognition is always encouraging.

Jharkhandi Bhasha Sahitya Sanskriti Akhra, a socio-cultural outfit, felicitated 20 tribal writers — two each from 10 native tongues and dialects — during the inauguration of the outfit’s 3rd Maha Sammelan. The two-day event kicked off at Central Library Hall of Ranchi University this afternoon. Authors from Delhi and other parts of the country attended it.

Each writer was presented with a shawl and a citation.

Besides, Delhi-based Ujjwala Jyoti Tigga was also given the first Rashtriya Adivasi Sahitya Samman that has been instituted this year in memory of tribal ideologue Ram Dayal Munda.

Speaking at the inauguration, writer Ganga Sahay Meena from New Delhi said: “If one strictly follows the prescribed parameters, many of our indigenous languages can be categorised as endangered.”

Referring to the 13 books, six of them in Khortha, which were released on the occasion, Meena added: “In this context, it is heartening to see that over a dozen books in tribal tongues were published today.”

Notably, most of the tribal authors continue to write in their own tongues and local dialects, despite constraints.

“Tribals can express themselves best in their own tongue,” said Dalit writer Aneeta Bharti. Urging the authors to continue doing such works, she added: “If others have any interest, let them translate your writings.”

“We simply wanted to honour such writers,” said Aswini Pankaj, one of the organisers. He rued that they could not arrange for mementoes.

Anmol Tirkey, a student, lauded the outfit’s efforts to honour writers who are trying to keep their languages alive.