From March 4 to 22, 2024, NEILAC conducted fieldwork at Chiringgro as part of the Baseline Survey for Mission CRADLE. This comprehensive survey included key assessments such as the EGRA (Early Grade Reading Assessment) and EGMA (Early Grade Mathematics Assessment) for Class 1 students, aimed at evaluating foundational literacy and numeracy skills. The team also engaged in Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) to better understand the community’s needs and educational challenges. In addition, teachers participated in targeted training sessions designed to enhance their skills in culturally relevant, bilingual teaching methods. The fieldwork further incorporated language documentation efforts to preserve and promote the region’s indigenous languages, laying a solid foundation for the long-term success of Mission CRADLE.

On March 1, 2025, NEILAC hosted P. Sainath, renowned journalist and founder of the People’s Archive of Rural India (PARI). This interaction was a meeting of shared passions—walking with indigenous/rural communities in preserving their unique worldviews. Discussions explored the challenges faced by these communities and the crucial role of their mother tongues and indigenous practices in strengthening their voices. Sainath shared insights from his extensive work with marginalized populations, emphasizing the importance of grassroots journalism in amplifying their stories. The interaction also highlighted the vital connection between media, cultural identity, and language preservation, inspiring Team NEILAC to think critically about the impact of journalism on rural communities and the broader mission of cultural safeguarding.

From February 2 to 6, 2025, NEILAC held its Staff Annual Retreat and Appraisal, a focused event to reflect on the year’s progress and set future goals. The retreat featured sessions on team building, professional development, and aligning individual goals with NEILAC’s mission. Staff members participated in workshops and discussions, reflecting on their roles in promoting linguistic preservation and cultural heritage. The event also included a comprehensive appraisal process, reviewing achievements and outlining strategies to enhance future projects. This retreat provided a vital opportunity to strengthen team cohesion and ensure NEILAC’s staff remains motivated, engaged, and aligned with the organization’s vision for the upcoming year. It reaffirmed NEILAC’s commitment to fostering a collaborative and dynamic work environment.

NEILAC launched Mission CRADLE, an innovative initiative focused on a Culturally Rooted Approach to Dual Language Education. By integrating indigenous languages with English, CRADLE aims to develop a balanced educational model that promotes academic development and cultural pride. When children learn in their mother tongue, they connect to their roots, stories, and sense of self, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and emotional well-being. This strong foundation supports lifelong cognitive growth and resilience, shaping confident individuals. The initiative develops bilingual curricula, textbooks, and teaching methods that reflect local traditions and knowledge systems. With a community-driven approach, Mission CRADLE aims to preserve endangered languages while ensuring children thrive in both local and global educational contexts.

In the first week of January 2025, the North Eastern Institute of Language and Culture (NEILAC) conducted its Annual Planning and Staff Training session, focusing on culturally rooted approaches for the year ahead. The program featured workshops aimed at enhancing team collaboration, effective communication, and integrating culturally relevant methodologies into NEILAC’s initiatives. Staff members participated in activities designed to strengthen their skills and align their efforts with NEILAC’s mission of preserving and revitalizing the linguistic heritage of Northeast India. The training emphasized the importance of incorporating local cultural perspectives into language research and action, ensuring that NEILAC’s work remains deeply connected to the communities it serves and their unique cultural contexts.

In December 2024, NEILAC hosted a workshop titled ‘Creative Use of Chatbots: Building Projects with AI,’ led by Professor Ken Kahn. The event aimed to introduce young learners to the world of AI, focusing on chatbot development and its real-world applications. Participants engaged in hands-on sessions covering machine learning, robotics, and the ethical implications of AI. Prof. Kahn, an expert in the field, guided the children through interactive activities and practical exercises designed to make AI concepts accessible and enjoyable. The workshop encouraged critical thinking and creativity, allowing children to explore AI in an engaging way. By the end, they had developed their own chatbot projects and gained a foundational understanding of AI. The workshop successfully sparked curiosity, empowering the next generation of AI enthusiasts.

From 11-17 December 2024, NEILAC organized a 7-day Mentorship Programme on Language Description and Grammar Writing for scholars from Northeast India. Led by renowned linguist Professor Emerita Mary Dalrymple from the University of Oxford and Dr. Vijay D’Souza, NEILAC’s Director, the mentorship program provided personalized guidance through both one-on-one and group sessions. The focus was on morphosyntax, semantics, and linguistic data analysis, with participants receiving hands-on training in data collection, annotation, and the use of linguistic analysis tools such as FLEx and ELAN. Tailored for scholars working with linguistic communities in Northeast India, the program aimed to equip them with essential skills for language documentation, grammar development, and the preservation of endangered languages.

On November 13, 2024, the Laudato Si’ Research Institute at Campion Hall, University of Oxford, hosted a public lecture by Fr. Vijay D’Souza SJ on indigenous approaches to nature and their relevance in addressing the planetary crisis. Vijay explored how indigenous perspectives, particularly from Northeast India, offer valuable insights into human-nature relationships and environmental sustainability. Drawing from indigenous traditions, oral histories, and ecological practices, he emphasized the deep spiritual and cultural connections that many indigenous communities maintain with their natural surroundings. He illustrated how these worldviews – rooted in reciprocity, stewardship, and harmony with the environment – challenge extractive development models and reshape ecological thinking, driving sustainable policies.

In October 2024, NEILAC conducted a Language Vitality Survey among the Garo and Maram-speaking communities of Meghalaya. The Garo survey was carried out in Chiringgro village, East Garo Hills District, while the Maram survey took place in Umoid, South West Khasi Hills. The survey aimed to assess the current status of these indigenous languages, focusing on factors such as language usage, intergenerational transmission, and community attitudes toward language preservation. Data collected through interviews and fieldwork provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities these communities face in maintaining their linguistic heritage. The survey findings will inform future language revitalization efforts and help NEILAC develop targeted strategies to support the preservation and promotion of Garo and Maram languages.