HONG KONG, 21 February 2026 — The Hong Kong Telugu Samakhya (THKTS) hosted the International Mother Language Day (IMLD) celebrations at the NAAC Centre in Tung Chung, reaffirming its commitment to linguistic diversity and mother-tongue learning among children and families.
The programme marked another milestone in THKTS’s annual observance of IMLD, an initiative launched in 2021 during the Covid-19 period and held online for the first time. The celebrations have been supported by the UNESCO Hong Kong Association (UHKA) Glocal Peace Centre since their inception. This year’s event was supported by the NAAC and Tomorrow’s Youth Development Fund Limited (TYFDL). Mr. Thirunach Nachiapan, Co-Chair of the Community Division at the UHKA Glocal Peace Centre, served as the Convener for IMLD 2026.
This year’s theme, “Youth Voices on Multilingual Education,” placed children at the centre of the programme. Young participants delivered speeches and cultural performances expressing pride in their linguistic heritage. Languages represented included Sanskrit, Korean, Chinese, Bangla, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Marwari, and Marathi, with English used as a common language of communication.
The event was graced by Ms. Surbhi Goyal, Honorable Consul at the Consulate General of India in Hong Kong and Macau, as the Chief Guest. In her address, she congratulated THKTS on its sustained efforts to organise International Mother Language Day each year and commended parents for nurturing children’s connection to their mother tongue. She underlined the importance of multilingualism in developing global citizens and, citing Bharatendu Harishchandra, noted the foundational role of mother tongues in both individual growth and national progress. She also applauded the children for their dedication to preserving linguistic heritage and acknowledged THKTS Founding President Ms. Jaya Peesapaty for her continued leadership.
Special guests included Miss Connie Wong, NAAC Regional Director; Mr. Marco Kwong, UNESCO HKGPC Projects Officer; Mr. Jackie Cheng, TYFDL Director; and Dr. Islam Muhammad Fakhrul Babu, President of the China Bangladesh Friendship Centre-CBFC. Speakers reiterated the value of learning mother tongues alongside additional languages to build cultural confidence and future-ready skills.
Ms. Jaya Peesapaty said the celebration reflected Hong Kong’s multicultural spirit by bringing together diverse communities to honour their languages. She emphasised that language is central to cultural identity and plays a key role in helping the next generation stay connected to their heritage.
At the conclusion of the programme, Ms. Surbhi Goyal presented certificates to all participating children. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to multilingualism and expressed enthusiasm for returning next year.
In closing remarks, Ms. Peesapaty thanked the children, parents, teachers, partners, and guests, adding that collective community efforts are helping shape a future where every child’s voice is recognised and valued. She ended with UNESCO’s motto: “Many languages, one future.”
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Press Release