Archive for October, 2011
Following is a report from TOI:
BHUBANESWAR: Putting to rest all controversies over the re-appointment of the incumbent vice chancellor for a three-years term, Governor M C Bhandare on Thursday appointed Bishnu Charan Barik the new vice-chancellor of Sambalpur University. Barik, an ex-pupil of the university, is currently professor of sociology at the Swami Ramananda Teerth Marathawada University in Nanded (Maharashtra).
“No pleasure can match that of working in your alma mater. I am very fortunate to have got a chance to work at the Sambalpur University where I did my post graduation,” he said.
Speaking to TOI over phone from Pune, Barik said he would fix his list of priorities soon after talking to faculty members and students. Being an alumnus of SU, Barik said he was already acquainted with the varsity, many faculty members and employees, which would be an added advantage for him.
Barik, who hails from Sabalong Kanipara (Chandol) in Kendrapara district, did his graduation from Kendrapada College, PG (sociology) from Sambalpur, MPhil from South Gujarat University and PhD from Sardar Patel Univerity. He specializes in rural sociology and has done extensive research on agrarian studies, migration and dam/water management, among others.
University insiders have welcomed Barik’s appointment. “We welcome the selection and look forward to the vision of the new V-C. Since he is an ex-student, he would be able to feel the pulse of the campus and take the best steps in the interest of the university,” said Karunakar Supakar, the chancellor’s nominee in the Syndicate, the apex decision making body of the university.
In the race for the prestigious post, Barik edged past Rajaram Panda (JNU) and present V-C Arun Pujari. Sources said the chancellor’s office was reluctant to give a second term to Pujari because that would have violated UGC norms. Besides, possibilities of his taking up the duties for a second-term had created a furor among a section of the faculty members and students. Panda, on the other hand, did not have sufficient active teaching experience. The chancellor had interviewed the three on October 15.
Earlier, the selection-cum-search committee, comprising Gujarat cadre IAS officer Pramod Mishra (Syndicate nominee), former Allahabad University V-C A Mehta (UGC nominee) and Delhi University’s Prof Poonam Saxena (chancellor nominee), had shortlisted the three names for the coveted post.
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October 28, 2011 at 3:37 pm sanjibkarmee
Following write-up is taken from koslisahitya blog:
Compiled and Edited by Saket Sreebhushan Sahu
Introduction
Kosli is an ancient language and it is one of the five Prakrit languages existing since Vedic era along with Sanskrit. However, some recent research done at Sambalpur University claims Kosli as a distinct language as a result of which the University has introduced a One year Diploma course.
Area where Kosli is used
A large area encompassing the western part of Odisha popularly known as Kosal region; Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Bargarh, Deogarh, Balangir, Sonepur, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Boud, Phulbani and Northern Koraput regions; parts of Chattisgarh; Bhatri region of Bastar district, and from eastern part of Debhog, Phuljhar, Raigarh, Sarangarh to Jashpur uses Kosli as its mother tongue. Out of the total population of Odisha (36706920) about two crore population uses Kosli according to 2001 census.
Kosli is an Independent Language:
A group of scholars claims Kosli language as a mere dialect of Odia language. Odia scholars have analysed the language of Kosal region less scientifically and more politically. Though the constitution of India guarantees to safeguard a distinct language, script or culture of minorities vide its provision in article 29(1) & 30(1), Kosli is seen not enjoying its due rights.
Kosli is a direct derivative of Sanskrit. Each and every word is enriched with deep meaning and full of life. The soulful representation of its culture and environment is its insignia and represents its independency. For example, let discuss the origin of few Kosli words:
a) khaman means jungle. Khaman originates from Sanskrit word Khaban.
Khaban means sky touching jungle (AakaShaspaRShi baNa)
Kh = AakaSh [sky]
According to the rule of Prakrit: Ba > Ma
Hence, Khaban = Khaman.
b) khglA is a traditional ornament put on around neck by ladies.
Kh = AakAsh (sky) = sunyA (blanks) = round shaped
So, khglA is ‘kh’ (round shaped) around ‘galA’ (neck)
c) khpsA ( a kind of air breathing fish)
This fish is found moving up towards the sky through date tree so its name is derived or given from this unique feature. Please mark the formation of the word as below:
Kh = AakAsh (sky)
kasati gachhati iti > khakshh > khaksA (kas-kash gatou soutra dhatu)
The name of this fish in Odia is ‘gaDishA’ which means the fish which rolls. There is no such vast imagination as like as there it is found in Kosli language.
d) kulihA (Jackal)
This animal is fond of crab and it search crab from holes in crop fields so ‘kulihA’ word forms as below from this activity:
kulirNg hanti iti kulirahA > kulihA
e) karlA (Bitter Melon)
The formation of the word ‘karlA’ is a very strong example to prove that the claim of Odia scholars is vague that Kosli is not a dialect of Odia and words of Kosli are not formed simply by deforming Odia words rather it supports in favour of formations of Odia from Kosli.
Sanskrit > Prakrit > Hindi > Kosli > Odia
kArbell (Sanskrit) > kArell (Prakrit) > karelA (Hindi) > karlA (Kosli) > kaLarA (Odia)
Few more examples:
Sanskrit > Prakrit> Kosli
AtasI > AlasI > Alasi
AamRam >AmbNGa >Aam
AadRam > Aallam/AdhNGa > Ol, Uda
Genealogical analysis shows two different sources of origin of the two languages; Odiya and Kosli. One is from the Magadhi Prakrit and another from Ardha-Magadhi Prakrit. So there are remarkable differences between the two in the sphere of phonology, morphology, semantics and syntax.
Noteworthy to mention here that like other Indo-Aryan languages, formation of words in Kosli consist of two types of morphemes – Free Morpheme and Bound Morpheme. One can notice the less use of free morphemes both in Odiya and Kosli but the words formed with both free and bound morphemes are more in use as lexical items (parts of speech) in sentences. According to the system of formation of words in almost all the languages in India, the bound morphemes are of three types:
A. Case Endings (used with nouns / pronouns)
B. Derivatives (known as Taddhita or Krdanta in Indian grammar).
C. Tense Endings (used in verbal roots to signify number, person and tense).
Followings are few examples from all three categories which clarify the distinction of Kosli.
Case Endings
Case endings are the suffix used both in nominal and pronominal declensions. They are generally used as suffixes in all the languages of Aryan family including Odiya and Kosli.
Let us examine the nominative case endings (otherwise known as Prathamã Vibhakti) of both Odiya and Kosli language. These case endings always are some suffixes. Both in Odiya and Kosli ‘mãne’ suffix are widely used as a bound morpheme to indicate plural number. In Odiya, this suffix was used rarely and in ancient literature like ‘Sãralã Mãhãbhãrat’, where two bound morphemes were in use to indicate plural number i.e. rajãganamãne (kings). So the use of plural suffixes in nominal case was arbitrary and loose. This ‘Mãne’ suffix which is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘mãnya’ (honour) and though it is used in Odiya, not in its sister languages such as Bengali and Assamease. But it is used as such in Kosli and in Chhattisgarhi as ‘-man’, just adjacent to the Kosli speaking region. So this plural maker suffix seems to have come from Kosal region to Odiya. This suffix is used in Odiya as well as in Kosli. But there is another peculiar type of use in Kosli which is not found in Odiya. The ‘-mãne’ suffix is not used with the proper nouns in Odiya but it is used even in proper nouns in Kosli such as ‘Rãmamãne’ (Rãma and others), Sabitãmãne (Sabita and others) etc. In sentence it is used as following:
1. Rãmamãne jãuchan (Rãma and others are going)
2. Sabitã mane gãuchan (Sabitã and others are singing)
Let us come to the suffix (accusative case maker) ‘-ke’ or ‘-mánke’ for singular and plural in Kosli. In standard Odiya ‘-ku’ ‘-nku’ and ‘mãnaãku’ suffix is used in this case. So responsibility of linguists does end with the comments that the Kosli singular accusative ‘-ke’ is used in lieu of ‘-ku’/ ‘-ñku’ in Odiya and it is a corrupted form of the latter. But there is a noticeable peculiarity in Kosli regarding the use of the suffix ‘-ke’ that it is used with the first person and second person singular number where as it is not so in Odiya.
make (to me) pãn nãi bhallãge – I do not like paan.
take (to you) mui kichi nãi di – I have not given anything to you.
The underlined words – make (ma+ke) and take (ta+ke) in the above sentences shows the use of accusative morpheme ‘-ke’ with first person singular ma (oblique form of mu) and second person singular ta (oblique from of tui) respectively. In Odiya two oblique form ‘mate’ and ‘tate’ in this case are used instead of mku and tuku as ‘-ku’ suffix is not added to ‘m’ and ‘tu’, the stem of first and second person singular number. But it is evident that in old Odiya literature of Sãralã Das this type of use of the accusative suffix ‘–ku’ directly to the stem such as tuku (tu+ku) and muku(mu+ku) has been attested akin to Kosli language. Now, in modern Odiya this type of use ‘muku’ and ‘tuku’ for first person singular and second person singular is not correct. Instead, mate and tate/tote two oblique forms are used for them. But in Kalahandi region of Kosli speaking tract, the use of ‘make’ ‘toke’/‘take’ is still alive as fossil which throws light to the development of Odiya as well as Kosli morphology. An important feature is to be observed that the accusative morpheme ‘-ke’ as discussed above is exactly used in Bengali such as –ãmãke (to me) and tomãke (to you). In Hindi it is found as –ko/kai.
In standard Odiya, the instrumental case maker suffixes or morphemes (known as tritiya vibhakti) are –re, -dwárá, -dei, -kartruka in singular and another morpheme ‘-mánañka’ is used before then to make it plural. The peculiarity of Kosli language is the suffixes used in Odiya are not at all used. Other types of suffixes such as –na (from skt-ena) and -bute (derived from Sanskrit (britte) are in use as instrumental case maker.
For Example:
1. bãdina mãra (beat with the stick)
2. karrina kãta (cut with the knife)
3. hetãrbute kãm phaskã (he is of no use). Besides one ‘-thi’ suffix is also used for making instrumental case such as ‘-dã’thi’ (with the sickle), karri’thi (with the knife) etc. This ‘-thi’ seem to have come from the Sanskrit word ‘stita’.
In ablative case otherwise known as (Panchmi Vibhakti) the bound morphemes used in standard Odiya are –ru, -thiru, -thãru (in singular) etc. where as in Kosli they are –u, -nu and –thu in singular. The plural maker morpheme ‘-mãnkar’ is used before them and added to the stem, which is common in all cases to denote plural. The uses in Kosli are as following:
1. -u : gachu phall padlã (the fruit fell down from the tree)
2. –nu : gachnu phall padlã (the fruit fell down from the tree)
3. –thu : gachthu phall padlã – (the fruit fell down from the tree)
Noteworthy to see here that the above ‘–nu’ suffix is not in use Odiya now, but in old Odiya inscription, the suffix is used once as hastãnanu (from hand). Another peculiarity of ablative case maker suffix is ‘-s’. It is rarely used to limited words and derived from the Prakrit suffix – ‘-s’ directly. The use of Kosli is as such – belsu tarkithá (be alert from the right time).
In locative case both in Odiya and Kosli, the case maker suffixes are almost same as used in their instrumental case. For example ‘-re’ in Odiya and ‘-na’ in Kosli. In both the language one suffix -tha (from Sanskrit stãna – place) is prefixed to them and they become a compound morpheme such as thã+ne – thãne in Kosli and thãre in Odiya. The use of –na (or na+e = -ne) is not there in Odiya. The use is very wide such as – Jangal na badã bãg achan (there are many tigers in the jungle). The Kosli suffix –na/ne in locative is equivalent to the English preposition in/on/over etc.
Derivatives
Besides the case maker morphemes as discussed above, there are some derivative suffixes, which show separate identity of Kosli language. One –ti suffix is used in Kosli to denote a smaller size of a thing or size in miniature. For example –bandh+li = bandhli (small pond), hãt+li = hatli (a small market), tupã + li = tupli (a small basket). In Odiya the use of –uli suffix is there but they are limited in use in words like kha+tli = khatli (small cut).
Tense Ending
In verbal declension also there are some remarkable peculiarities in Kosli language which differ from Odiya language. The use of ‘-mi’ morpheme in future tense for first person and ‘-si’ morpheme in present indefinite tense for third person are two apparent speciality of the language. Both the morpheme ‘-mi’ ‘-si’ came from Sanskrit directly as such (i.e. Sanskrit: karomi, pathámi and karosi, pathasi etc.) The use of both the morphemes is as following.
-mi: -mui khãemi (I shall eat)
mui jimi ( I shall go)
-si :- Rãma khãesi (Rama eats)
Rãma jãesi (Rama goes) etc.
The use of –mi suffix (morpheme) is current in Oirya in Baleswar districts. But largely, Odiya language uses ‘-bi’ (such as kháibi) in this case. Though the above two morphemes in conjugation is not there in standard Odiya, the use is attested in archaic Odiya literature such as Charyãpada and Sãralã Mãhãbhãrat. In the Charyápada the words like mãrami (I shall kill), lemi (I shall take) are found and in Sarala Mãhãbharata the use of –si such as karási, jãesi are easily noticeable. It tends to believe the scholars that the ‘Kosli’ language of Kosal region or Sambalpur tract has trickled down to coastal Orissa or ancient Odradesa and contributed substantially in the development of Odiya language. That is why the relics are still alive in Kosli as discussed.
References:
Peculiarities of Sambalpuri Language in Its Morphology; Dr. Ashok Kumar Dash, Surta, pg 35-38, Ed. Saket Sreebhushan Sahu, 2009.
Kosli Bhasa Ra Sankhipta Parichay, Kosal Ratna Prayagdutta Joshi, pg 6, 7, 16, 17, Ed. Dr. Dolagobinda Bishi, 1991.
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October 25, 2011 at 5:07 pm sanjibkarmee
Following was a repose from Dr. Arjun Purohit on the VC appointment issue of SU (this was posted in KDDF):
Dear all,
It is fascinating to see the sense of involvement of citizenry in the selection of VC of Sambalpur University. This is good. I have not noticed so much enthusiasm for a new VC for any other university in Odisha. There is good reason for that. People of the reason want to see that SU succeeds as the only full fledged multi-disciplinary institution in Western Odisha which has managed to outshine similar institutions in Odisha in spite of not too secret neglect of the state government. Among the comments, I recognise many I know and have high regards, and I understand the sincerity of there deliberations.So here is my two cents worth of input into the process of deliberation. My comments and conclusion should in no way be construed as disregard for the opinions expressed by others.
What should be the criteria for choosing the VC of SU ? Bertrand Russell used to say,”…war is too serious a business to be left to the generals(my paraphrase)”. No single criterion is sufficient, be it scholarship,administrative excellence.popularity, and what not. The single most important goal of the university is to prepare the students for the twenty first century in spite of all odds. For that what is required is leadership with a clear vision and ability to execute the vision, and do whatever it takes to accomplish it.
Whenever I go to region, I try to meet the current VC of SU of the time because of my love for the institution. Without denigrating the contribution of so many past VCs of the institution, I must say that the current VC of SU,Dr.Pujari is perhaps one of the best I have met. How he accomplished so much within one term is simply seemingly impossible considering the odds. He has the unique combination of all the necessary competence one can think of. By any measure, leading SU is a daunting task. But he has managed to find resources both within and outside the institution with innovative ideas to institute new programs and institutions within SU within so short of time. One of the most visible of such efforts is the creation of IIIT, which will have far reaching impact on the significance of the University. But that is not the only one. There are many other projects which are in the different stages of of implementation. One of these is to selectively upgrade some of colleges strategically located in outlying distant and severely deprived areas within the catchment of SU, and to identify bright young minds in the area, and to mentor them in becoming leaders in different scientific and technical disciplines. I was so impressed with the concept that I have volunteered to be a minor players in this enterprise.
Like all terms, his term of VC has come to an end. Now the issue in front of us is how do you replace him, or the question can be rephrased as, should we replace him ? Change should not be done for change’s sake. At the same time, one also must not be married to the idea that the present incumbent is irreplaceable. In my humble opinion, if one finds somebody with his unique combination of leadership skills and proven track record,or even better than his credentials, then of course we should welcome such a person as our new VC. Not knowing the details of potential candidates, I obviously can not comment. Having said that, I also find that Dr.Pujari is young and is very energetic, far more than many senior academic leaders one can think of. Taking all these into consideration, I will personally prefer that his tenure be extended for another term. This will at least give time for the projects to be completed.
Regards
Arjun Purohit
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October 22, 2011 at 12:52 pm sanjibkarmee
On 20th September 2011 Kosal Discussion and Development Forum (KDDF) submitted a memorandum for inclusion of Kosli language in the 8th schedule of the Indian constitution to PM and other dignitaries.
Following is a letter I received from PMO acknowledging the acceptance of the memorandum.
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October 21, 2011 at 7:27 am sanjibkarmee
Following is a report from the Sambad (Thanks to Saket Sahu for posting this news in various e-forums):
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October 18, 2011 at 5:44 am sanjibkarmee
Following is a report from expressbuzz:
BHUBANESWAR: Questions are being raised over the relevance of the Western Orissa Development Council (WODC) which was formed to correct the regional imbalance existing in Orissa.
Rather than functioning to assist in the development of the backward Western Orissa districts, its core constituency, the council has now become a rehabilitation centre for defeated ruling party politicians and others whom the powers-that-be want to keep in good humour.
While funding and utilisation system of the Council have come under criticism, the lack of interest on the part of the State Government for further strengthening the organisation has also been disapproved by many. The Council was formed on July 3, 1999. But in 12 years of its existence, no noteworthy project has been implemented.
Three proposed medical colleges by the WODC at Bhawanipatna, Rourkela and Balangir have not progressed beyond the drawing board stage. “The WODC has failed to live up to its expectations during its 12 years of existence so far,” first chairman of the Council and senior Congress leader Narsingh Mishra said.
Funds are being spent on the recommendations of the ruling party MPs, MLAs and leaders, Mishra said and added there is no development agenda before the Council.
The Congress leader said as the Council was formed to bridge regional imbalance, a survey should be undertaken to identify very backward areas where projects should be taken up. But funds are being spent in relatively developed areas because of recommendations of some ruling party leader, MP or MLA, he lamented.
BJP Legislature Party Leader from Patnagarh KV Singhdeo alleged that the Council had been turned into a platform for also-rans of the ruling party. Attempts are also being made to create a parallel power centre through the Council, he said.
Strongly disapproving the practice of nominating ruling party leaders as expert members, Singhdeo said this had defeated the very purpose of the body. Technical experts should be from a particular field and not politicians, he said.
Defeated BJD candidate in the 2009 Lok Sabha election Hameed Hussein, who is also a member of the Council, also maintained that the funding pattern needs to be changed. The Council should spend in the fields of agriculture and education without wasting money on small projects, he said and added a decision should be taken in this regard soon.
But the importance given to the WODC, or the lack of it, by the powers-that-be can be gauged from the fact that for the last two months the post of chairperson is lying vacant. Sources said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is yet to decide whether to nominate a politician, a bureaucrat or an expert to the post.
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October 17, 2011 at 6:29 pm sanjibkarmee
Following report is from http://www.dainika.com:
Sambalpur: On the auspicious day of Ashwina Sukla Pakhya Astami today, Bhai Juintia is being celebrated across western Odisha.
All the markets in the western region of the state were crowded yesterday, with sisters buying the needful items for today’s puja.
On this day both married and unmarried sisters pray for long life and well-being of their brothers, by fasting the whole day without water known as Nirjala Upabasa.
A group of sisters dressed up in new attire, gather at an open space in their localities and worship Goddess Durga decorated with mango leaves, wild plants and flowers. Earlier in the day, bunches of duba (108 strands of green grass) wrapped up with freshly plucked sal leaf are prepared for each brother and the Goddess. Each bundle consists of 108 unbroken rice (non-boiled rice) also and tied up with a colourful juintia (sacred thread). Then they offer all the bundles along with prasad like jugar (made of puffed rice), puri (made of flour) and tikhri (made of mung dal) and varieties of fruits to the Goddess.
In the wee hours of next day i.e Nabami, the sisters take a holy dip in a nearby tank or river and perform ritual near the water body by offering slices of cucumbers and chopped kathi (short sal sticks used for brushing teeth).
Back home, sisters break their fast after touching her brother with the duba bunch from head to toe and presenting him prasad and gifts.
For married sisters, their brothers invite them to their parents house to celebrate Bhai Juintia and Dussehra.
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October 16, 2011 at 6:08 am sanjibkarmee
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