Dr. Smriti Kumar Sinha, Vice-Chancellor of Pragjyotishpur University in Guwahati, Assam, refers the dying languages as “languages in the ICU”
Dr. Sinha honored with the Fellowship of the International Academy of Ethics
Chandigarh
The recent gathering organized by the International Academy of Ethics brought into sharp focus an urgent and vital issue: the plight of India’s marginalized languages. In a nation renowned for its linguistic diversity, thousands of languages and dialects exist as vital carriers of culture, history, and identity. Yet, many of these languages are now in peril—some on the brink of extinction—and are often ignored by mainstream discourse.
Dr. Smriti Kumar Sinha, Vice-Chancellor of Pragjyotishpur University in Guwahati, Assam, passionately emphasized this during the event, referring to these dying languages as “languages in the ICU.” His words underscored the pressing need to preserve and revive these linguistic treasures before they disappear completely, warning that their loss would mean a diminishment of India’s rich cultural mosaic.
The event was marked by a sense of reverence and purpose, as Dr. Sinha was honored with the Fellowship of the International Academy of Ethics—a distinguished and rare accolade awarded to individuals of extraordinary merit who have made significant contributions in their fields. In his gracious acceptance speech, Dr. Sinha thanked the Academy’s President, Dr. Jernail S. Anand, and Vice-President, Dr. Maja Herman Sekulic. He reflected on the importance of language preservation and shared insightful observations about the need for inclusive and equitable treatment of all linguistic groups across India.
Following this, the program featured a remarkable literary segment—the release of Dr. Anand’s epic work, Suffering’s Favourite. The literary session was headed by Dr. Chakraborti, senior academician and former Dean of Kalyani University, who praised Dr. Anand’s ability to bring together diverse poetic traditions and ethical themes, describing him as “a synthesizer and unifier.” Dr. Chakraborti drew attention to Dr. Rana Nayar’s words that Dr. Anand is “essentially a satirist, a poet-philosopher, whose work fuses myth, history, lyricism, and epic storytelling.” He commended Dr. Anand’s publication of twelve epic narratives under the title Epicacia, which has earned recognition as “a 21st-century version of perennial wisdom,” as aptly described by Dr. Satish Kapoor.
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A video message from Dr. Maja Herman Sekulic added further praise, highlighting that Epicacia elevates Dr. Anand’s reputation on the global literary stage, with strong influences from Greek, Roman, and English literature, while maintaining a deep connection to Indian roots. Forewords by Dr. Milan Mladenovic further cast Dr. Anand as “the poet, philosopher, and theologian—an essential voice for future generations,” blending poetic brilliance with philosophical insight.
Critical acclaim continued from various scholars: Dr. Laksmisree Banerjee dubbed Suffering’s Favourite a “Post-Modern Epic,” uniquely reflecting a world in decline, and termed it a “Neo-Epic” by Dr. Chakraborti. Dr. Jaydeep Sarangi admired the way myths are powerfully conveyed through emotion and poetic wisdom, and Nasir Aijaz described the work as a “call for compassion and enlightenment,” urging readers to seek their inner paradise.
Adding to the literary richness, the event also saw the launch of Goldmine, a micro poetry collection crafted by Dr. Anand and Rupa Rao from New Jersey. Prof. Seema Jain praised this unique work for its philosophical depth, calling it “philosophical Antarakshri,” a reflection of the authors’ mastery in blending wisdom with poetic finesse.
Throughout the program, curated and moderated by Rupa Rao, there was a consistent reminder of the importance of fostering linguistic diversity in India. The celebration of literary achievements and the awarding of the Fellowship of the Academy served as both recognition of individual excellence and a rallying call to safeguard India’s myriad languages, many of which are in the ICU of neglect and indifference.
As Dr. Anand concluded the session with heartfelt thanks, the message was clear: protecting India’s linguistic heritage is not just a matter of cultural pride but a crucial step towards a more inclusive and vibrant future. The event left an enduring impression—highlighting the power of words, the importance of diversity, and the need to act swiftly before these precious languages slip away forever.
Read: Guajarati is not a dying language, but….!
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