Jaipur: Digital platforms are giving scope to regional languages to gain strength and reach people across the globe. In a short yet meaty session, the speakers discussed how the digital revolution is responsible for the transformation and resurgence of regional languages in the digital age.The session, titled “Maati Ki Mehak”, highlighted how Hindi, Rajasthani, Assamese, Bengali and other regional languages are finding renewed strength and global reach through digital platforms. Speakers unanimously stressed that staying connected to one’s mother tongue and cultural roots is essential for “meaningful and sustainable development”.Moderating the session, writer Ayodhya Prasad underlined the importance of cultural grounding in an era dominated by technology. “We can see how regional literature and language is breathing new life through digital platforms. They allowed local narratives to reach global audiences.”Drawing a metaphor from the fragrance of the Thar Desert’s soil, he said regional literature is breathing new life through digital platforms, allowing local narratives to reach global audiences.Renowned Rajasthani litterateur and Sahitya Akademi Award winner (2023) Gaj Singh Rajpurohit raised concerns over the continued lack of “constitutional recognition for the Rajasthani language”. “I believe political weakness and lack of will among leaders are responsible for this long-pending demand. But I believe social media and platforms like YouTube played a pivotal role in revitalising Rajasthani. We are seeing young content creators popularising heroic folk tales among the younger generation,” he added.Senior writer Dr Haridas Vyas spoke on the digital renaissance of Hindi literature, observing that social media reduced the distance between readers and writers. “Platforms such as Instagram, YouTube and blogs,” he said, “emerged as revolutionary spaces where young authors reinterpret traditional themes in contemporary contexts.”During the discussion, author Paromita Nag, active in Bengali and Assamese literature, highlighted the role of Gen Z in the Northeast. “Reels, video storytelling and online communities infused new energy into regional languages. It is, of course, a significant step towards the digital democratisation of literature,” she added.All speakers agreed that true progress is incomplete without preserving linguistic heritage.The digital era, they said, not only safeguarded regional literature but also gave it fresh momentum on the global stage.
