Bhubaneswar, Feb. 23: Only a few selected schools in the city celebrated Matribhasha Divas (World Mother Tongue Day), while most of such institutes could not observe it because of the upcoming board exams.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) had asked all the affiliated schools to celebrate the occasion on February 21.
This was intended to increase proficiency in mother tongue mostly among the English medium students. The DAV Public School, Chandrasekharpur, celebrated the day on the school premises with a host of activities, including poetry recitation, speeches and musical performances in various languages.
The students as well as teachers took part in the event. "It was an important occasion to celebrate the integrity of the nation as well as a stepping stone for the international harmony. Despite the exams and other activities, there was every reason to celebrate the day," said Debendra Pati, said a senior teacher of the DAV Public School.
"Our school consists of students, who are from various states. Observing such days promotes unity and helps the students come together," said Pati.
However, there were many schools that could not celebrate the occasion due to an array of reasons.
Principal of a school said that since the academic session was nearing its end, most of the teachers were busy completing the syllabus and taking extra classes for the students, who were weak in studies.
A principal of another school said that since they were already observing similar days, there was no need for a separate celebration. "We have Odia classes and celebrate Utkal Divas. We have always encouraged our students to give importance to their mother tongue. However, it was difficult for us to organise a special mother tongue day celebrations during this time of the year due to the approaching exams," he said.
A CBSE official said that almost all the CBSE-affiliated schools in the state were aware of the relevance of the day.
In a few other schools, students observed quiz, informative talks, speeches, translations from Odia to English, group songs in local languages, poster making and elocution to mark the day.
