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Indigenous and Endangered Languages Lab (IELLAB)
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Centre for Indigenous Languages, University of Madras
A CSR Initiative Of
About
The Full Story
India is a treasure trove of linguistic diversity, with hundreds of languages spoken across its varied landscapes. However, a significant number of these languages, particularly those of indigenous communities, face an imminent threat of extinction. With the loss of a language, we lose a unique worldview, an irreplaceable cultural identity, and generations of accumulated knowledge. IELLAB was born from the urgent need to address this silent crisis.
The Indigenous and Endangered Languages Lab is a testament to a powerful collaboration. The vision for this specialised lab was brought to life by the Gabo Alliance Foundation, an organisation committed to preserving indigenous languages and cultural heritage. This vision was made a reality through the generous corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding from Karur Vysya Bank, which recognised the profound importance of safeguarding our linguistic roots.
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Hosted within the esteemed Centre For Endangered Languages at the University of Madras, IELLAB stands at the crossroads of academic excellence and community action. This strategic location provides us with the scholarly environment, research infrastructure, and institutional support necessary to carry out our vital work. We are a hub where linguists, technologists, students, and community elders converge to collaborate on meaningful projects.
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The University of Madras
Established in 1857, the University of Madras is one of India's oldest and most prestigious public universities. With a profound legacy of fostering academic excellence and pioneering research across the arts and sciences, the university stands as a beacon of higher learning in the country. It provides the ideal intellectual and institutional home for IELLAB, offering a vibrant scholarly environment and the robust infrastructure necessary to advance the critical work of language documentation and preservation.
Karur Vysya Bank
Karur Vysya Bank (KVB) is a leading banking institution with a rich heritage of trust and customer service spanning over a century. Beyond its financial expertise, KVB has cultivated a strong legacy of corporate social responsibility (CSR), demonstrating a deep commitment to impactful community development. Their CSR philosophy focuses on empowering society through meaningful initiatives in education, healthcare, and the preservation of cultural heritage. The establishment of IELLAB was made possible through KVB's visionary support, reflecting their firm belief in the importance of safeguarding India’s invaluable linguistic diversity for generations to come.
