Vidyavihar Campus Celebrates World Gujarati Language Day

The K. J. Somaiya College of Arts and Commerce in Vidyavihar, Mumbai, recently celebrated World Gujarati Mother Language Day and the 193rd birth anniversary of poet Veer Kavi Narmad. The event was jointly organised by the college's Gujarati Sahitya Mandal and the Senior Citizens' Mandal, Ghatkopar.

The celebration kicked off at the Kalidas Auditorium with tributes to literary stalwarts, followed by musical renditions of classic poetry and folk songs led by artist Man Derasari. The department also presented the 'Pride of Gujarati' distinction to alumna Riddhi Vora, a multi-hyphenate talent who has championed the mother tongue.

Vora, who holds a master's degree in both Commerce and Gujarati literature, reflected on how her roots in the language have fueled her career growth across tech and artistic domains. She is a theatre actor, dancer, Gujarati RJ, and special linguist at Google.

The cultural tribute was complemented by a culinary festival, Gurjari Vangi Vaibhav, hosted earlier in the week in collaboration with the K. J. Somaiya School of Languages and Literature. The event drew nearly 1,000 students and staff, offering a modern twist on regional staples, with stalls serving fusion dishes such as khakhra pizza, fafda nachos, patra-khandvi chaat, and Mexican theplas, alongside traditional rabdi-jalebi and Palitana bhel.

The event was supported by campus leadership, including Principal Dr. Kishan Pawar, KJSSLL Director Dr. Veena Sanekar, and Gujarati Department head Dr. Hitesh Pandya. The multi-day celebration highlighted how heritage, modern art, and local youth culture seamlessly intersect in Eastern Mumbai's vibrant suburban hub.

Gujarati language and culture have a significant presence in Mumbai, with many residents tracing their roots back to the state of Gujarat. The celebration at K. J. Somaiya College of Arts and Commerce is a testament to the city's diverse cultural landscape.

The event also showcased the importance of preserving and promoting mother languages, which are an integral part of a community's identity and heritage. By celebrating World Gujarati Mother Language Day, the college aimed to promote the language and encourage its students to take pride in their cultural roots.

In conclusion, the celebration at Vidyavihar campus was a vibrant and festive tribute to Gujarati language and culture, highlighting the importance of preserving and promoting mother languages in today's globalized world.

The success of the event was evident in the large turnout of students and staff, who came together to celebrate their cultural heritage. The college's efforts to promote Gujarati language and culture are commendable, and the event will surely be remembered as a highlight of the academic year.

As Mumbai continues to grow and evolve as a cosmopolitan city, events like these serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting the city's diverse cultural heritage. By celebrating our differences and promoting our unique cultural identities, we can build a more inclusive and vibrant community.

The celebration of World Gujarati Mother Language Day at K. J. Somaiya College of Arts and Commerce is a step in this direction, and it is hoped that such events will continue to be organized in the future, promoting the rich cultural diversity of Mumbai and its residents.