An endangered language is one that is likely to become extinct in the near future. Many languages are failing out of use and being replaced by others that are more widely used in the region or nation, such as Hindi in majority of northern India, Kannada in Most parts of Karnataka leaving behind small languages.

Importance for India to protect regional languages:

• Protect unity in diversity and fundamental right: Article 29 and 30 of Indian constitution.

• Language is linked to culture and tradition.

• Language is directly related to people’s ethnicity: For instance, Tamil people in south Asia, Tuluva people or kodugu natives from Karnataka etc.

• Threat to civilization: Extinction of Indus valley led to extinction of Brahmi script.

• Celebrating diversity, Pluralism and multi-culturalism.

Measures that can be taken:

• Encourage education in mother tongue.

• Encourage students to take up one compulsory language other than their own.

• Three language policy in schools.

• Research at university level and Chair in central university.

• NGO support in form of funds and awareness creation to promote and preserve ancient languages.

• Digitalization of scripts and dictionary.