Jaee Sonalkar recently participated as a panelist for the International Mother Language Day 2026 event. "[Participation] was a meaningful recognition of my work and lived experience as a Marathi speaker. It reflects the value of my perspective in broader conversations about mother tongues - especially minoritized and heritage languages - and why they matter for identity, community, and belonging."
Watch the video of the event on YouTube
"International Mother Language Day, first proclaimed by UNESCO and later adopted by the UN General Assembly, underscores the role of languages in promoting inclusion and achieving Sustainable Development Goals. Multilingual education not only promotes inclusive societies but also aids in preserving non-dominant, minority, and indigenous languages. It is a cornerstone for achieving equitable access to education and lifelong learning opportunities for all individuals." United Nations