Janum Singh Soy, a 72 year old professor from Jharkhand was named on the list of recipients of Padma Shri for the year 2023. The Press Information Bureau stated that Soy is being given this honor for his work towards preservation and promotion of the Ho language. He has written 6 books on culture and lifestyle of this small Ho tribe, he also pioneered the language into a formal course in language with his work in the PG curriculum.
Janum Singh Soy is a former professor of Hindi and was the first head of the department of Hindi in Kolhan University in 2009-10. He retired from the university in 2012.
The 72 year old professor after getting the news expressed his joy over the phone and expressed hope that the award would bring focus towards the tribal Ho language. He also stated that a lot of work needs to be done by the government as well as the society in order to preserve the different tribal languages.
Soy suggested the youth of the tribe to write regularly in their mother tongue. “Learn Hindi, English or any other popular language, but do write regularly in Ho, be it verse or prose. But writing regularly would be the best way in preserving our ancient language,” he said.
Kolhan university spokesperson P K Pani said that it’s a matter of pride that a former professor of the varsity has received the award.