02/16/2026
Dear Community Members,
I am deeply honored to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for making Prio Bangla’s International Mother Language Day & Cultural Festival 2026 an extraordinary and unforgettable celebration of linguistic diversity, cultural pride, and community unity.
On Sunday, February 8, 2026, the auditorium of Kenmore Middle School came alive with the vibrant sounds of more than a dozen global languages. Under the theme “Languages Matter: Our Culture, Our Heritage, Our Future,” our community—residents, diplomats, elected officials, educators, researchers, artists, and leaders—came together to honor linguistic diversity as a fundamental human right.
We began by paying tribute to the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement, whose sacrifice continues to inspire UNESCO’s global observance of International Mother Language Day. This spirit guided a powerful afternoon of dialogue, reflection, and celebration.
Under the lively emceeing of award-winning director and cinematographer Reema Kapani assisted by Shiumul Saha and Puley Bala performances flowed seamlessly from one to another.
Deep Appreciation for Our Distinguished Panelists
Our high‑level panel discussion was one of the most impactful elements of the event. Guided by Marsha L. Semmel, a nationally respected leader in cultural institutions, the conversation explored equity, multilingualism, community empowerment, and the future of cultural preservation.
Below is a detailed acknowledgment of each panelist and the essence of their contributions:
🔹 Marsha L. Semmel – Moderator
National cultural leader, former senior official at the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), Former Chair, Arlington Commission for Arts.
Marsha framed the discussion around the idea that cultural institutions must champion equity and multilingual access. She emphasized that language is not only a communication tool but a core component of civic participation.
🔹 Takis P. Karantonis
Economist & Arlington County Board Member
Takis highlighted how urban planning and community development must intentionally include linguistic diversity. He noted that Arlington’s strength lies in its multicultural neighborhoods and stressed the need for policies that ensure all residents feel connected and represented.
🔹 Hon. Julius D. “JD” Spain, Sr.
Retired U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sergeant & Arlington County Board Member
JD spoke passionately about service, integrity, and equity. Drawing from his military and civic leadership experience, he reminded the audience that honoring linguistic diversity is part of honoring human dignity. He emphasized that “equity must be practiced, not just promised.”
🔹 Andrew Schneider
Executive Director, Columbia Pike Partnership
Andrew discussed the economic and cultural vitality of the Columbia Pike corridor, one of the most diverse areas in the region. He underscored that supporting multilingual communities is essential for building equitable neighborhoods and sustaining local businesses.
🔹 Dr. Emma Violand‑Sánchez
Pioneering educator & first Latina Chair of the Arlington School Board
Dr. Sánchez reflected on her decades of work expanding college access for immigrant students. She spoke about the transformative power of bilingual education and urged continued investment in programs that uplift first‑generation learners.
🔹 Mukta Bain (Miss Peace USA)
Health Policy Analyst & Founder, A Voice for a Village
Mukta highlighted the intersection of language and health equity. She shared insights on how language barriers affect healthcare access, especially for immigrant and rural communities, and advocated for culturally competent health systems.
🔹 Dr. Syed Mahtab Ahmed
Multilingual Psychiatrist & Medical Director, Prio Bangla Free Medical Clinic
Dr. Ahmed emphasized the importance of mental health services that respect cultural and linguistic backgrounds. He noted that multilingual care is not optional—it is essential for building trust and improving health outcomes.
🔹 Dr. Pryalal Karmakar
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, Founder & Executive Director, Prio Bangla
Dr. Karmakar spoke about Prio Bangla’s mission to build a platform for multilingual justice. He reminded the audience that protecting languages is protecting identity, history, and the future of our communities.
Cultural Delegations & Performers
We are grateful to the delegations from Indonesia, Mexico, Peru, Sri Lanka, Haiti, Myanmar, Bolivia, Latin America, Egypt, Greece, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, India, and Bangladesh for sharing their rich cultural heritage. From Balinese dance to Mariachi music, your performances reminded us that the universality of art transcends all barriers.
We also thank U.S. Senator Mark Warner, Virginia Lt. Governor Dr. Ghazala Hashmi, Congressman Wakinshaw, and the Arlington County Board Chair for their proclamations and video greetings.
A deeply emotional moment was shared when all panelists and honored guests—including Professor Dr. Saifur Rahman (IEEE President 2023) and Sarkar Kabir Uddin (Voice of America)—placed a floral wreath at the Language Replica (Shaheed Minar) in remembrance of the fallen heroes.
Our Partners & Supporters
This festival was made possible through the collaboration of:
Arlington County, Arlington Arts, Bangla Events, Columbia Pike Partnership, Columbia Pike Documentary Project, Virginia Humanities, Youth for Human Rights International, ACE Collaborative, Northern Virginia Majority Education, OAR, Young Bengali Professional (YBP), and UNA‑USA.
Local business supporters included:
A Flavor United, E&R Home Health Care Provider, DMV TV, DWNN News Agency, NRBC TV, TBN24, Exomind Tech, and Desi Events Go.
Our heartfelt thanks to our patrons:
Dr. Marium Parveen, Dr. Nazrul Islam, Mizanur Rahman, and Realtor Fahmina Muhit.
Event Contributors & Volunteers
Language Replica (Shaheed Minar): Anwar Zaman, Adam Momin, Damian Dias, Yatra Coomar
Advisers: David Bearinger, Marsha Semmel, Lloyd Wolf, and Dr. Emma Violand‑Sánchez
Program Curation: Dr. Tareque Mehdi & Dr. Pryalal Karmakar
Exhibits & Stage Management: Shimul Saha, assisted by Churri Rahman & Bijoy
Sound Engineering: Jamil Khan
Arlington Cultural Affairs: Rhe’a Roland‑Singer, Andres Luque Turriago, Jared Davis, Christopher Cooley
Arlington Arts Commission: Lucy McCauley, Elizabeth Mitchell, Alyssa Tope, Emily Crews, Sal Ferro
Opening Ceremony Performers
Musical Chorus: Led by Clement Gomes, assisted by Tapos Gomes
Tabla: Rashaduzzaman Talukdar Roman
Percussion: Pranab Barua
Singers: Mily Clara Gomes, Mark Rana Rozario, Puley Bala, Mizanur Rahman, Bhuiyan, Shimul Mou, Anwar Zaman, Kazi Swapan, Hasnat Sanny, Nusrat Jahan, Rimi, Jolly Zaman, Prima Mohshana Hossain, Lucky Tayab, Gazi Sahajan Khokon, Syed Hossain
Dance Drama “Ekush Amar Ohonkar”
Created & directed by Hon. Liala Hasan
Assisted by Rosemary Mitu Rubeiro & Sristee Nrittangon
Narrated by Hasan Imam
Concept summary by Anis Ahmed
Performers included: Shukti Rozario, Pronab Borua, Tilok Kumar Kar, Arshi Rozari, Moumita Botlero, Emily Gomes, Megha Purification, Onamika Costa, Reedha Zaman, Iqra Zaman, Evelyn Pereira, Druhi Pereira, Obonti Zaman, Mehjaben Arisha, Naifa Rahman
Operations & Logistics
Event Manager: Damian Dias
Exhibits Manager: Mahfuzul Bhuiyan
Event Ex*****on: Hasnat Sany
Guest Relations: Jhumur Bainik
Photography & Multimedia
Inthekar Siddiqui Arup (Baishakhi Dalas), Ariful Islam, Dewey Tron, Lloyd Wolf (CPP), Dr. Mashiur Rahman Faruque
Special Operations Team
Nusrat Jahan, Mukta Bain, Kazi Swapan, Saroj Barua, Pradip Ghosh, Mizanur Rahman Bhuiyan, Ariful Islam, Mahmood Menon Khan, Rafiqul Islam Akash, Sumit Mistry, Suman Karmakar, Sanjit Saha, Yousef Russell, Litu Chowdhury, Ahsan Chowdhury, and many others.
YBP Volunteers
Shijit Dasgupta, Bejoy, Jawad Nahain
Finally, my sincere appreciation goes to Prio Bangla’s Board of Directors, Advisers, Management Team, IMLD Operations Team, and the countless volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.
Prio Bangla’s IMLD is not just an event—it is a living platform for multilingual justice.
Together, we are ensuring that every language is heard, valued, and protected for the future we are building.
Thank you for your unwavering support, dedication, and love for our community.
With gratitude,
Dr. Pryalal Karmakar
Executive Director, Prio Bangla
See below few of our youtube links and news links for thai event:
https://youtu.be/TBMI3nVP-EI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQMajgY26C0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIL4f5fB1fQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jcBxeqmUZs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdxZ2kkw3qk
https://cpdpcolumbiapike.blogspot.com/2026/02/international-mother-language-day.html
https://www.aparajeobangla.com/foreign-land/news/44521
https://www.aparajeobangla.com/International-Mother-Language-Day-2026-Celebrated-with-Moving-Presentations/44522
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEryvRSjoSs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epMUaMTfYQc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4d2-Tlrw2ik
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SokBzRz7qk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeRwGpWqsjs