GUWAHATI: Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT-G) prides itself on being a global hub of academic excellence, embracing students, faculty, and residents from not just various states of India but from several countries around the world. This rich diversity paints the campus with a vibrant tapestry of cultures, traditions, and languages.
From the length and breadth of India, the Institute has natives hailing from states as varied as Andhra Pradesh to West Bengal. Internationally, the student community includes representation from countries such as Japan, Nepal, Bhutan, Nigeria, Sudan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Ethiopia, among others.
Prof. Parameswar K. Iyer, Director, IIT Guwahati, highlighted the inclusive richness of the institute, saying, “At IIT Guwahati, we cherish and celebrate our cultural and linguistic diversity. Together, we work towards realising the vision of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat.”
Protiva Adhikary, a PhD student from Bangladesh, said, “IIT Guwahati is not merely an academic institution; it’s a nexus where diverse thoughts unite. Here, academic brilliance intertwines seamlessly with a rich blend of cultural and linguistic expressions.”
For Pranav Nair, a BTech student specialising in Computer Science and Engineering, the expansive fields and knowledge hubs of IIT Guwahati offer more than just education. Despite facing challenges due to cerebral palsy, he adds, “It’s essential to persevere to achieve the dreams and life you aspire for. Here, I’ve found both my voice and solace amidst nature’s beauty.”
Highlighting the Institute’s initiatives in linguistics, Dr Sanasam Ranbir Singh, Head of Centre for Linguistic Science and Technology, IIT Guwahati, said, “We are deeply involved in research to develop technologies for India’s indigenous languages. We’re also diligently working on projects to digitally preserve the rich linguistic heritage and cultures of the Northeast, with an aim to become a world-class specialised centre promoting in-depth studies on linguistic and cultural values of the region.”
For instance, to honour linguistic diversity, IIT Guwahati annually celebrates Matribhasha Diwas (World Mother Tongue Day) on February 21. This celebration includes various student-led events such as essay writing competitions and kavi sammelan (poetry sessions). These events see entries in numerous languages, from Hindi and English to regional languages such as Assamese, Bengali, and Tamil.
By fostering an environment that celebrates both diversity and unity, IIT Guwahati highlights its commitment to nurturing thinkers who transcend linguistic and cultural boundaries.
