Karur Vysya Bank (KVB), through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, has partnered with the University of Madras to launch the Indigenous & Endangered Languages Laboratory (IELLAB). Inaugurated in February 2026, this facility is the first dedicated lab in South India for the documentation and academic study of endangered languages, supported by the Gabo Alliance Foundation.
KVB Partners to Safeguard Linguistic Heritage
Karur Vysya Bank (KVB) announced its partnership with the University of Madras to inaugurate the Indigenous & Endangered Languages Laboratory (IELLAB) on the University campus. This initiative, supported by the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, marks the creation of South India’s first dedicated laboratory focused on the documentation, preservation, and academic study of indigenous and endangered languages.
The inauguration was led by Mr. B. Ramesh Babu, Managing Director & CEO of Karur Vysya Bank, on February 2026. The project implementation has been facilitated through the registered non-profit partner, the Gabo Alliance Foundation.
Focus on Research and Community Engagement
The IELLAB is designed as a state-of-the-art facility combining academic rigour with technology for audio-visual archiving. Its scope includes preserving oral histories, folklore, rituals, and cultural practices, enabling structured linguistic research and publications.
A central focus will be community engagement, ensuring inter-generational knowledge transfer. Initially, the Lab will concentrate on documenting and studying vulnerable languages deeply rooted in Southern India, including Soliga, Kota, Toda, Irula, and Badaga.
Statements on Societal Impact
Mr. B. Ramesh Babu stated that supporting the IELLAB reflects KVB’s commitment to preserving voices and knowledge systems forming India’s diversity, proud to support an initiative that combines academic excellence with long-term societal impact.
Dr. Susaimanickam Armstrong, Professor and Head at the Centre for Endangered Languages, University of Madras, highlighted that the Lab provides a crucial institutional space for systematic research and community-led preservation, ensuring that indigenous knowledge systems are recorded, respected, and sustained for future generations.
The inauguration event was attended by several dignitaries, including Mr. A. V. M. K. Shanmugam, Secretary of Avichi College of Arts and Science, and faculty heads from various departments of the University of Madras.
Source: BSE
