AIZAWL:
Mizoram University, jointly with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), will be offering a diploma course in Burmese language and communication skill starting from October this year.
Burmese is the official language of Myanmar (also known as Burma), and spoken by around two-thirds of the population.
Institute of Chin Affairs and Mizoram University, in a joint statement, said that the study of Myanmar culture and politics is inexorably linked with its language.
India shares a 1600 km border with Myanmar, and both countries share a rich heritage of linguistic, ethnic and religious ties.
“This course is recommended to students who wish to study Myanmar’s complex, multi-layered society, and work with the many local and international agencies in Myanmar and on the border. NGOs, religious organisations, Civil Society Groups and foreign government bodies have a strong presence in Myanmar research and programming, and knowledge of Burmese language is a clear asset in joining these agencies to provide support,” the statement said.
The course will be led by Dr Elis Thangi, a native speaker of Burmese language, who holds a PhD in Burmese. Dr Elis also speaks fluent Mizo language, therefore the classes will also be facilitated in Mizo and Burmese.
The course will initially run for a period of 10 months (Semester I & II) as one academic year beginning from October 2022.
As per official records, over 30000 Myanmar refugees are sheltered in Mizoram in over 150 camps.
Mizoram government has already started issuing certificates to Myanmar refugees who are taking shelter in the state.
Those fleeing to Mizoram following the Myanmar’s February 1, 2021 military coup, are mainly from the Chin state who share share the same ancestry, ethnicity and culture as the Mizos of Mizoram.
Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga had earlier urged the Centre to provide asylum to refugees fleeing Myanmar.
He had also opposed the Centre’s order to security forces to stop Myanmar citizens from entering the state and deport refugees.