Kattankulathur: SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattankulathur, successfully hosted the 3rd edition of the Languages Day Celebration on 20 February 2025, organized by the Department of English and Foreign Languages (EFL), Faculty of Engineering and Technology. This vibrant annual event showcased the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of India through a blend of online and offline competitions, cultural performances, and interactive language booths. The highlight of the celebration was the presence of legendary playback singer Padma Bhushan Dr. K.S. Chitra as the Chief Guest, who delivered an inspiring address.
The event was presided over by SRMIST’s Vice Chancellor Prof. C. Muthamizhchelvan, Registrar Dr. S. Ponnusamy, Dean (E&T) Prof. Dr. T. V. Gopal, and HoD (EFL) Dr. L. Kavitha Nair. The celebrations commenced with Dr. K.S. Chitra inaugurating the language booths, meticulously curated by BTech students, EFL faculty, and research scholars, offering a glimpse into the beauty of various languages and literary traditions. The event also featured a Bharatanatyam performance, followed by the release of a special tribute titled “Echoes of Melody: A Celebration of Her Musical Legacy,” honoring Dr. Chitra’s illustrious career.
In her welcome address, Dr. L. Kavitha Nair emphasised the role of languages in fostering global connections and highlighted the significance of linguistic diversity in shaping societies. She underscored how language transcends barriers, fostering unity and understanding in an increasingly interconnected world.
Prof. C. Muthamizhchelvan elaborated on how languages shape thought, bridge cultures, and build inclusive communities. He reiterated that language learning is not just about mastering vocabulary and grammar but about fostering meaningful connections where every voice is valued.
A key highlight of the celebration was the address by Dr. K.S. Chitra, where she reminisced about her early career and how the legendary Dr. S. P. Balasubrahmanyam mentored her in Telugu, enabling her to reach audiences beyond her native language. As a special gesture, she delighted the audience with a mesmerizing live performance, creating an unforgettable experience.
The event was the culmination of a week-long Languages Day competitions, conducted both online and offline, celebrating linguistic excellence and creativity. A variety of competitions, ranging from elocution, essay writing, poetry recitation, and multilingual storytelling to quiz contests and theatrical performances, engaged participants from across disciplines.
This celebration aligns with the Matrubhasha Diwas initiative by the Government of India, reaffirming SRMIST’s commitment to multilingualism and cultural preservation. The event concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks, acknowledging the efforts of faculty, students, volunteers, and support teams who contributed to its success.
The Languages Day Celebration 2025 once again proved to be a dynamic platform for academic discourse, cultural exchange, and linguistic appreciation, reinforcing SRMIST’s commitment to promoting language learning, research, and artistic expression at a global level.