Posts filed under ‘Dictionary’
Eminent literateure Dr. Nil Madhab Panigrahi passes away
Following report is from the Sambad:
Recognition and development of Kosli language: A powerful writing by Prasanna Kumar Karabara
Following is an article from the Samaja (Cuttack-Morning Nov 21, 2011 Page 6 online edition). My thanks to the honorable writer for very good analysis and logical conclusion.Click here to download the complete pdf.
Mother tongue based multilingual education: Kosli language as a medium of instruction in the schools of western Odisha
Following paragraph is taken from http://www.ciil.org/AnnMLE2011.aspx.
…………….Two states in India – Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Orissa – have started mother tongue based multilingual education (MLE) on a pilot basis for tribal children. AP started MLE in 8 tribal mother tongues (MTs) in 2004 and Orissa in 10 tribal MTs in 2006. The states have the program in over 500 schools with first batch of children in grades IV and V, respectively, in AP and Orissa; AP is adding over 2300 schools in the year 2011 and Orissa is scheduled to add 500 schools. Few more states are also expected to join the MLE movement in India. Jharkhand, Assam and Chhattisgarh are already planning to start MLE in the states. Mother tongue based MLE is now an international movement especially for those from dominated minor, minority and marginalized languages and suffering negative consequences of submersion and assimilation forms of education in non-mother tongue languages ……………………….
The above thing is an eye opener for all of us. This is a good start by the government. Along this line Kosli language should be used as the medium of instruction in the schools of western Odisha districts and Athmallik subdivision. On this topic please see our earlier discussions:
● Kosli language waits for govt’s nod for inclusion in the Indian constitution
● Parliament debates on Kosli language
● Recent advances on Kosli language
● The Sambad (Odia daily) on our discussion of Kosli language
●Responses to the article entitled ‘Matrubhasha O Maanak Bhasha’ by Debi Prasanna Patnaik published in the ‘Sambad’ on 22nd July 2011 (Part I)
●Responses to the article entitled ‘Matrubhasha O Maanak Bhasha’ by Debi Prasanna Patnaik published in the ‘Sambad’ on 22nd July 2011 (Part II)
● Dr Arjun Purohit’s response to Debi babu’s article on Kosli language
Recent advances on Kosli language
The Kosli language is spoken in ten districts and Athmallik subdivision of western Orissa. In addition a large population of Raipur, Mahasamund and Raigarh districts of Chhattisgarh state speak Kosli language as their mother tongue.
A large number of books and magazines are published in Kosli language. Kosli songs and dances are popular across the world. Apart from this Kosli drama festivals are regularly organized in various places of western Orissa.
There was discussion in the Indian parliament to include the Kosli language in the 8th Schedule of the Indian constitution. Some of the reports are here:
● Kosli language waits for govt’s nod for inclusion in the Indian constitution
●Parliament debates on Kosli language
Recently, various e-forums have debated the use of Kosli language as a medium of instruction in the school. In addition, many also supported the inclusion of Kosli language in the 8th Schedule of the Indian constitution. Here are the links to some of the discussion happened in media, e-forums and Facebook:
● The Sambad (Odia daily) on our discussion of Kosli language
●Dr Arjun Purohit’s response to Debi babu’s article on Kosli language
Depending on the users and regions following terms are used as a synonym to Kosli language. Following are some of the terms:
● Koshali language/Kosali language
● Samalpuri-Koshali language/Samalpuri-Kosli language
● Sambalpuri-Koshali or Sambalpuri-Kosli language
PS: If you have any suggestions please contact me on this email ID: sanjibkarmee@gmail.com
Kosli language should be a subject and the medium of instruction in primary classes : Dr. Mahendra Kumar Mishra
Following comment was posted in our earlier posting. For the convenience of readers we are posting it here.
After reading the above comments on Kosli language and literature I have to offer my views.
1.South Kosal is a tract identified with current western Orissa adjoining eastern Chhtishgarh. Kushavati Nagra is found to be the capital of Kush – the second son of Lord Ramachandra.
2. South Kosal is found in the puranic and Sanskrit canons which have the records of ruling dynasties.
3. Koshalananda Kaavaya is written for the Chauhan Kings in 16th century AD is the evidence of Kosal as Sambalpur and interestingly Pundit Gangadhar Mishra was from Puri, a court poet in Sambalpur Raj-durbar.
4. Dr Suniti Kumar Chaterjee, a noted indologist and historical linguist mentioned in his work (1967 Dr Artaballabh Memorial speech in Orissa Sahity Academy ), Dr. Krushna Chandra Panigrahi, a noted historian, and Dr. Khageswar Mahapatra, a linguist, in their work have mentioned about the distinct language of South Koshala which is not intelligible to the Oriya people. Even to day, the pure oral tradition of Kosli language is unintelligible to Oriya people.
5.The writings of Dr Harekrishna Mahatab indicates that Kosal was never a part of present Orissa before the British Raj. He was unable to face Maharaja RN Singh Deo as stated Sri Nilamani Raotray.in the auto biography. Formation of Orissa is a modern aspect in which the contribution of Britishers and Madhubabu can be mentioned. But to my knowledge till the merger of 26 garjat Orissa was never conceptualized as a state.
Presently the National Curriculum Framework 2005 and Right to Education Act 2009 has emphasized the linguistic Human Rights of children to pursue their learning in primary schools. Based on this Act and NCF 2005 , ten tribal languages in Orissa has been adopted to teach the tribal children in mother tongue. The Munda and Kishan languages of Sundargarh has been accordingly taken up. Thus it would be proper now to take up Kosli as the medium of instruction in primary classes. Kosli should be a subject and also the medium of instruction in primary stage at least from Class I to class V.
Oriya colonialism is unfortunately created a hegemony among the people not only of Kosal but also to the Adivasis of Orissa for which the self hate for one’s won language and culture had been created. But now the turning point is that many tribal languages are regenerated and revitalized by the speakers community and no qualification is required for that. Consider when Sweden was subduing Finland over a period of 300 years and the oral tradition of Finland became the written literature of Finland. Now Kalevala – the national epic of Finland is Kalevala which was sung by the unlettered singers and now it is a widely known as National epic translated in to 204 languages of the globe.
Now the rich oral literature of Kosal followed by hundreds of writers from Kosal can revitalize its own culture and language, not only to restore it for language sake but the epistemology and worldview that is created across the ages.
—
Dr. Mahendra Kumar Mishra E-mail: mkmfolk@gmail.com Web: http://en.gravatar.com/mkmfolkDr Arjun Purohit’s response to Debi babu’s article on Kosli language
Following write-up was sent to various e-forums by Dr. Arjun Purohit. This is was his final response to Debi babu’s article. Earlier he has sent three massive emails as response. Here is the link to the previous postings (Part I and Part II) .
The force of language Dr.Patnaik uses against inclusion of Koshali in 8 th schedule is not warranted nor necessary because we both in education field know that educating kids through the medium of native language especially in formative years will facilitate learning. So why such denial ? A possible explanation may be found the way our history books are written. For instance, Dr.Harekrushna Mahatab who has been lionised in Orissa for his political leadership as well as for his contribution to Orissa history, writes the very first sentence in the first volume of two volume book ODISHA ITIHASA(1948),”Today what is understood as the state Odisha consists of three ancient provinces called Udra, Odra or Oudra,Utkala and Kalinga”.(my translation) Really ? No Koshala ? So what is the status of Koshala then ? Is it a colony of Odisha ? Just an appendage of no consequence ? We do not see our face in this definition of Orissa. We are simply persona non grata, who do not deserve to be recognised as legitimate citizens of Orissa with equal rights and privileges.. Our language and heritage simply do not matter. Is it just innocent omission ? A few years later Siba Prasad Das wrote his classic SAMBALPUR ITIHAS(1962),reprinted in 1969 and I find in it an appreciative note by Dr.Mahatab written on September 16,1967. However the quoted statement still appears in the third edition of Dr.Mahatab’s book published in 1977. For generations this book has been used as the text book on Orissa history in schools and colleges. It is lot more than just a Freudian slip because this attitude permeates into all the de facto policies and procedures practiced in Orissa which has resulted in the sorry mess in Koshal. The same attitude is reflected in Dr.Patnaik’s essay.
Why it is so difficult to accept us for what we are ? Dr.Patnaik wonders whether asking for recognition may lead to aspiration for a separate state ? Aspiration for recognition of Koshali in 8 th schedule is an issue which must be judged by its own merit whether or not in future Koshal may get status of separate state. Should we deprive Koshali kids’ access to education so that in future they may aspire for the same rights and privileges of kids in the coastal area or demand for a separate state ? This is akin to the same thinking behind denying education to Sudras to prevent them to aspire the same status Brahmins and Kshatriyas. This is why Rama killed Sambhuka the Sudra when he was found to be studying Vedas. For the same reason Drona demanded that the thumb of right hand of Ekalabya be chopped off because someday he might be challenging Pandava and Kaurava princes. Until a couple of generations ago girls were discouraged to go to school because in future they may not be “ideal” wives. Women in Afganistan must be cooked inside their burqa all the time even in hot weather so that they may not get amorous attention from males. Slaves inU.S.were not allowed to study even private so that they could be as smart as their masters………..
Dr.Patnaik acknowledges the abominable attitude and treatment by coastal folks towards Koshalis and folks inSouth Orissawhich has resulted in severe economic deprivation. That is precisely why both Koshalis and folks fromSouth Orissa(Kalinga Pradesh) are looking for separation.
Demand for recognition of Koshali is primarily to facilitate education of the kids, enrichment of our language and literature by accessing resources available assigned to languages in the 8 th schedule and some measure of self respect. Separation of Koshala will depend upon many other variables besides self evident economic disparity. Our neighbours to the west(Chhattisgarh) and to the north(Jharkhand) are already separated. Telengana is about to be separated. Creation of Gorkhaland is already announced though they are working out the actual framework. Language or numerical largeness are no longer the definitive issue in creation of a new state. In the case of Orissa, one notices a steady erosion of trust in provincial government, which is reflected in voting pattern in Koshal area. Governance has deteriorated with steady rising of Naxalism. And there is a host of other factors which are converging towards separation. By the same token, I also want the fellow Koshalis to realise that having Koshali recognised is not going to solve all the problems in Koshal. So depending on the language card alone is just a mirage. In this posting the focus is on language; so I will not digress into other issues here.
Dr.Patnaik pointedly asks whether the demand for such inclusion is aimed at garnering various awards. Great works of literature, music or painting are rarely done for external rewards. These are expressions of artists’ expressions of primordial artistic impulse and rewards are mostly intrinsic. But by denying the modes of expression, both the artists and the public are losers. Great literature can come from even the most primitive language or colloquial language. Julius Axelford and Issac Basevis Singer got Nobel Prize in Literature writing in Yiddish, a dialect spoken in Jewish ghettoes inPolandandHungary. A Sniti Mishra from Balangir mesmerised wholeIndiarecently for her songs. A Mr. Patra from Khariar was one of only three Indians invited to the recent Royal wedding. The Royal family was impressed with his writings in English.A Debasis Rath from Sonepur developed much used Oriya fonts for writing in computer. A Nil Madhab Panda from Sonepur again produces more than fifty movies but not much known in Orissa. Watch his new award winning movie I AM KALAM scheduled to be released in India.The list is long.What genius might be lurking and dying in the vine in Adivashi population, who constitute nearly fourth of Orissa population, is any body’s guess. Anthropologists tell us that we have sixty different groups of tribals. Their unique experience may be a mine of unique artistic impulses which go undiscovered. Both Koshala and Orissa are losers when we can not provide any modes of expression. So rewards will come on its own. Our responsibility is to find stimulate the artistic and literary genius.
The real focus of Orissa as well as Koshal should be as to how to be ready for the 21 st century in stead of wasting our energy in minor peripheral and often inconsequential issues. When Indiais emerging as an economic super power, Orissa and Koshal occupy the unenviable position of bottom of the heap in almost every sociological index in spite of their vast natural endowment. Crucial to rise up to our potential is to upgrade our human resource. In Koshal, a thin layer of developed human resource is confined to major urban area, and as you proceed more and more towards less urban area, human resource competency declines steadily. We have a humongous Adivashi population who have not participated in any serious developmental enterprises. No matter how much industrial/mining activities take place in our area, without matching upgrading human resource, Koshal and Orissa will never rise. Ever neglected Adivashi population has been attracting attention for the past decade or so for the wrong reasons: Naxalism, displacement from their habitat or similar reasons. So what language has to do with all these. Plenty. To be able to launch any educational/training programs, the teachers have to work with them through the medium of communication used by the target population. Simply throwing money in to these projects will not work. In Koshal area we have one advantage.In my experience even the reomotest tribal community has functional capacity to communication in Koshali. This is one of the major reasons I will champion the cause for Koshali to be included in the 8th schedule. Such inclusion will provide at least one stepping stone to bridge the gap between educational endeavour and the readiness of tribal kids. Hopefully, we will develop many more stepping stones.
Finally, I thank Dr.Patnaik for bringing this issue even though I disagree with much of his assertions. I also thank the readers for their patience for going through this series. As a recompense I am posting a site for a Koshali movie directed by young friend Saket Sahu, who also edits BENIthe great Koshali magazine:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXuoKMfT6eo.
If you know Bengali, please estimate the similarity and intelligibility between Oriya and Oriya. Then estimate on the same criteria the difference between Oriya and Koshali.
Regards
Arjun Purohit, Canada Email: apurohit1934@gmail.com PS: As usual be kind to me and ignore the typosDr Nilakantha Rath on Debi babu’s article about Kosli language
This report is taken from the Sambad (27th July 2011, online edition):
Please read our previous postings in this subject:
● The Sambad (Odia daily) on our discussion of Kosli language
Responses to the article entitled ‘Matrubhasha O Maanak Bhasha’ by Debi Prasanna Patnaik published in the ‘Sambad’ on 22nd July 2011 (Part II)
Following are the responses to an article entitled ‘Matrubhasha O Maanak Bhasha’ by Debi Prasanna Patnaik. The responses are taken from different e-forums.
Before I wrote this part, I read and reread Dr.Patnaik’s piece , and it seems we are in déjà vu all over again. In later half of 19thcentury, people of Orissa division of Bengal Presidency were fighting for the very survival of Oriya as a language against stiff opposition from a strong Bengali lobby. On March 12,1869 Rajendra Lal Mitra, an eminent historiographer of Bengal who had come to Cuttack in order to compile a book on the antiquities of Orissa’s art and sculpture, said in a meeting held at Cuttack that as long as Oriya was not removed as a language it was impossible to think in terms of progress of Orissa. About the same time, Uma Charan Halder, the then Deputy Inspector of Schools claimed that Oriya people would stand to benefit if only Oriya were written in Bengali script. Again in 1870,Kantilal Bose, Head Master of Balasore School, brought out a book ”Oriya Swatantra Bhasha Nai” and sent it to R.L.Martin, Inspector of Schools. A signature campaign started under the direction of Sibdas Bhattacharya, Deputy Inspector of Schools at Balasore, for continuation of Bengali as the medium of instruction in the schools of Orissa. This was a time when Bengalis dominated in all spheres of civil service including education in Orissa. However, though many Bengalis were supportive of this stand, a good portion of them joined their hands with their Oriya brethren in their demand for Oriya to be the medium of instruction, such as Baikuntha Nath De, Gauri Shankar Ray and Radhanath Roy among others.For an exhaustive summary of the struggle, please read THE RAJ:NTIONALSTS AND REFOMS- LAND,LAW AND GOVERNMENT ,ORISSA:1912-1939 by Amal Kumar Mishra.
Is not the struggle the same between Koshali and Oriya ? Now the Oriya pundits are using the unwise tactics against Koshali, and blocking at every turn any chance of getting into 8 th schedule. Probably they are afraid that recognition of Koshali as a separate language somehow diminishes the viability of Oriya in some way. History does not support such fears. After the struggle, Bengali rose from strength to strength, eventually Rabi Tagore getting Nobel prize in literature. And look at Oriya. Oriya has blossomed when Oriya speaking people had mastery over their own destiny. Oriya writers have embellished their literature in to great heights. Sitakant Mahapatra recently became awardee of Bharatabhusan, the highest award of the nation. Future will tell how Koshali will fare in coming years, but if the record of last few years is any indication, future looks very bright. So Dr. Patnaik need not fear on the account of recognition of Koshali. For blooming and blossoming of Oriya depends on the creative imagination of Oriya writers, and that is where he and other ardent lovers of Oriya should focus rather than indulging in trying to block Koshali from getting recognition as a language. If at all there would be any danger to Oriya as a language, it may come from Oriyas themselves. Just look at his own back yard inBhubaneswar. Oriya kids are leaving Oriya schools in droves opting for English medium schools even though it costs a king’s ransom for the option.
I am a little intrigued with the tone of the Sambad piece under scrutiny. Perhaps Dr.Patnaik did not mean convey such tone, but it comes across as paternalistic. It is as if
Koshalis by asking for recognition of our Matrubhsha, the language we learnt on our mother’s lap, we are somehow are hostile to Oriya as a language. Nothing of the sort. He graciously acknowledged contribution to Oriya literature by quite a few Koshalis. I can name even a dozen more. And I hope Koshalis will continue to do so. During my recent trip to Sambalpur, my friend Uma Shankar Panda presented me his latest anthology of Oriya poems. I presume it is probably his 83 rd ! So what we need is not lecture/soliloquy but dialogue, not paternalism but equivalence/partnership, and not indifference/hostility but friendship. This way both Kowhai and Oriya will be winners.
Finally, who do you think solved the conflict between Oriya and Bengali ? It was T.Ravenshaw ultimately. My sincere plea to Dr.Patanaik and other lovers of Oriya is to rise up to their moral responsibility to do the right thing by unblocking our access to 8 the schedule. This is what brothers do for each other. Longer this impasse festers, more bitter will be the relationship between our two communities. This will be cited as another instance of deliberate blockage of our progress. If this does not happen, then it will serve as a lesson to be learnt for Koshalis.. Do not go toBhubaneswarfor getting recognition for Koshali because Oriyas are playing the same game as Bengalis did against Oriya in 19 th century, just as an abused child becomes abusive parent. Campaign inNew Delhiin stead.
To be continued
Regards
Arjun Purohit,Canada, E mail: apurohit1934@gmail.com—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
The script of marathi and Hindi are same, both are flourishing,no issue, bengali and asameese language have same script,both are maintaining their Identity, the script of existing Odiya language and koshali are almost same, Nothing wrong in recognising that as a language also..Its very much possible inIndiaand why some one will object ???
Durga Misra, Email: durga_misra@sify.com—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
I completely agree with Shri Durga Misraji. During this discussion following points comes to my mind.
-There are many languages in the world with similar script. Most of the European languages use Roman script. They are still different. Each language is successful.
-German thinks that Dutch is a mixture of English and German language. So what? Dutch language is still alive and it has its own literature, heritage and culture. But, if you read and learn, Dutch is very different from German; it has its own grammar. One will realize the difference if she/he has mastered both the languages, that is German and Dutch. I would like to ask my fellow Odia friends to learn Kosli first, and then they will realize the difference.
-Late respected Shri Gangadhar Meher wrote his literary creations like Indumati, Arghyathali, Kichaka Badha, Pranaya ballari, Tapaswini etc. in Odia. Had he committed a crime? No! Was he opposed to Kosli as a language? We do not know for sure. As a Kosli I would like to see my fellow Koslites to snatch all the literay awards whether it is in Hindi, Bengali, Odia, English, Tamil, Telugu etc. If a Kosli person writes in other languages we should be proud of him. By writing novels in English Prof. Manoj Das is still recognized as an eminent Odia. By writing and speaking English, and drinking English wine a person will not be a Brit. Everyone is bound to their root-culture and languages. Therefore, I do not see any point how late Gangadhar Meher or any other persons deciding on our mother tongue.
-Matrubhasa is what my mother speaks. My mother speaks Kosli.
-A true language lover will never try to suppress a language. There are hundreds and thousands of languages in the world. While I was a children I use to read many English short stories translated from Russian language. I really love those short stories. Languages always compliment each other; they are not competitive.
Therefore, I do not see any fight between Kosli and Odia language. But some Odias fear that what will happen to Odia language, if Kosli will be a separate language. Nothing will happen to Odia language. It will flourish along with Kosli.
Best regards,
Sanjib
Sanjib Kumar Karmee, The Netherlands, E-mail:sanjibkarmee@gmail.com—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
Sanjib Babu,
I read the entire article and all the responses as posted at your blog site. There is absolutely no doubt that Kosli (as you have named the language) has its uniqueness. Although, anyone of us can say it sounds like oDiA and looks like oDiA, but when one reads through and thinks through, there are many identifiable differences, especially in the grammar and usage. If I write Hindi using oDiA akhsyaras, then it will also sound like oDiA and look like oDiA. But the fact is, it is Hindi. Assamese and Bengali use the same script, but they do have a distinction between the two languages. I see oDiA and Kosli in those lights. I believe that Kosli should be given its due status as a language, whether anyone likes it or not.
Having said that, I do agree to some extend with Debi Babu’s suspicion that there are elements who will be motivated in using this as a tool to create a separate state. While, personally, I have no problem with the creation of a separate Kosala state, but I am afraid of the selfish motive of some elements, which might be a burden on true activists like you in the future, i.e. after the state is formed. At this point, we cannot do much about it.
I also loved the sentiments of your poem. Please do keep up the good work. You all remind me of our oDiA language activists of the past.
Namaskar,
Debasmita Misra, USA, Email: bapunu@hotmail.com—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
Mother language is the most powerful medium for any child to learn things quickly and efficiently. There are many countries in the world like that of Japan, China, Russia, Korea and even many European countries also where from education including Engineering & Medical to running the administration of the country is all in mother tongue.
Separation ofBangladesh from the unitedPakistan was the result of forceful implementation of URDU as the first language on the thenEast Pakistan. Students of Dhaka University of the then East Pakistan had defied government orders and took protest march on the streets of Dhaka even at the cost of risking their lives to face dictatorial administration who were not in any mood to listen. Live bullets fired on them killed many students on that fateful 21st February. Struggle intensified which ultimately resulted in birth of a new country. 21st February is celebrated in a very big way as “AMAR EKUSE”. Now that date is celebrated all over the world as Mother Tongue day.
Coming back to Odisha, it is up to the government, how they deal with the demand of Koshali language or deal with the genuine sentiments of the Koshali speaking people. The neglect of western Odisha all these years in itself spills the beans. What is wrong in the demand to do justice with people of Western Odisha to do justice to their mother tongue! Why we should see politics in it?
Now, it is up to the Government of Odisha to do justice with the people speaking Koshali language in Western Odisha or else, tomorrow, if people take to the streets to demand Koshali as the main language in that area, it will be wrong to say they are doing politics.
Pravin Patel, Email: tribalwelfare@gmail.comResponses to the article entitled ‘Matrubhasha O Maanak Bhasha’ by Debi Prasanna Patnaik published in the ‘Sambad’ on 22nd July 2011 (Part I)
Following responses are taken from different e-forums and Facebook. This is in response to the article entitled ‘Matrubhasha O Maanak Bhasha’ by Debi Prasanna Patnaik published in ‘Sambad’ newspaper on 22nd July 2011.
Dear All,
The Sambad (Odia daily) has written on our discussion of Kosli language: http://wp.me/pFC4h-UK. I respect the views expressed by Shri Devi Prasanna Pattnaik.
However, I still feel that if govt. will bring a law to teach the students of Kosal region in Kosli the school dropout rate will decrease. I have seen the struggle of primary school children to learn Odia. Instead why not teach them in Kosli. Do not forget the children of 11 western districts spend considerable time in learning Odia.
In future the creation of separate state in India will not be on linguistic basis. As India is a highly populous country, the creation of smaller state will be better. Therefore, do not relate the language movement to political movement.
Giving recognition to Kosli language is nothing to do with Kosal movement. Rather, it will be good for the literary persons like Haldhar Nag, Manglu Biswal, Dr. Dologovind Bisi, Dr. Nila Madhab Panigrahi, Dr. Harekrushna Meher and others who are working relentlessly to keep this language alive.
Therefore, I urge the language lovers to help the Kosli language to flourish and let us not politicize it.
Here with I am sending the link to a Kosli poem written by me: http://wp.me/pFC4h-Uk
I hope you will enjoy it.
Best regards,
Sanjib
— Sanjib Kumar Karmee, PhD Department of Biotechnology Delft University of Technology Julianalaan 136, 2628 BL Delft, The Netherlands E-mail: sanjibkarmee@gmail.com———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Dear Sanjib,
I agree with you. The writings of Mr Debi Prasanna Pattnaik seems more emotional than logical.He has also tactically tried to create a difference between KOSLI AND SAMBALPURI. I can understand his stand but the article is totally baseless and illogical. Perhaps he has forgotten that one day Odia was also labeled as ‘EKTA SWATANTRA BHASA NAESE. Now its a recognized language and official language of Odisha but what is the problem with my friends of coastal belt in recognizing Kosli. I would conclude, ODISHA SAHITYA ACADEMY has loosed its competency and credibility in developing Kosli . We have no anger with our PADOSHI BHASA. If Kosli is my Maa then Odia is Maasi. Lets think for betterment and always hope for the best. And I request all, please support those who are working for propagating KOSLI.
Regards,
—
Saket Sahu Editor BENI, The Kosli magazine———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
I have throughly read the article by Sri Debiprasanna Pattnaik on the sambad ,dated 22.7.2011.In nutshell, we like our mother tone Sambalpuri/Koshli from the core of our heart. We do not like Oriya -is wrong.Rather we like both languages equally. MANAKA bhasa is Koshli.Oficial language is Oriya.
As Sanjib Babu opines-if Koahsli language will be included in the 8th schedule than school going children will be increasing no doubt.The best example on MANAK language as Koshli is for example on fish. we read MAACHA in oriya and in koshli as JHURI. If a school going kid will read JHURI instead of MAACHA he will easily follow it. So the question of breaking oriya language if koshli language approved is wrong interpriation. Can we forget to recite the beloved poem MANGALE AAILA USHAA , BIKACHA RAJIBA TRUSHA by legendry GANGADHAR MEHER – no not all. Rather from language front of view we will be proud of being able to use both the languages.
Yes, on development side, Western Orissa is less developed than Eastern Orissa and for that we demand a separate Koshla State for overall improvement of our region.
—
Narendra Kumar Mohanty Sambalpur———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Dear all,
Yesterday my young friend Saket Sahu, editor of BENI, the Koshali magazine posted this piece in Sambad. It seems the very possibility of inclusion of Koshali in the 8 th schedule is causing quite a bit of anxiety in the Oriya speaking population. My short posting in Ornet and Orissa Today net work has inspired a full scale article in Sambad by an eminent linguist. I am flattered, embarassed and disappointed in one breath. I do not have access to Dr.Patnaik,s email nor do I remember of having any personal contact with him in good old days, though I remember that my classmate late Dr.Chaudhury Hemakant Mishra talking about him when he was thinking of taking over India Institute of Languages(?) after Dr.Patnaik’s term. I would have loved to discuss the issue with Dr.Patnaik in a veranda with a cup of tea rather than long email exchanges. Since I can not do that here is my response through the net. Apparently Dr.Patnaik knew about my posting through Ornet/OTN; so hopefully he will know my response.
Frankly,I would have liked Dr.Patnaik to take the high road to discuss the linguistic aspects of Koshali and I would have learned a lot from him. In stead, the whole piece was sentimentally based, and is a rather a little accusatory as to why we want and hope Koshali to be included in the eighth schedule. Clearly Dr.Patnaik is a an ardent lover of Oriya, and one can not find any fault with such sentiment. Let me make it very clear. Most Koshalis, which certainly includes myself love Oriya and its great literature, but we love Koshali more, not simply as a very vibrant living language but also because we can express and communicate our deepest feelings and sentiments though it like in no other language.
It seems when Dr.Patnaik was at the helm of the Language Institute he was not in favour of any 8 th schedule. However, debating on the soundness of such reasoning is just academic now because, be that as it may, 8th schedule is still open and recently four new languages,Maithili,Santhali,Dogri and Bodo have been added after Mahapatra commission was concluded and the final decision was made by the High-Power Committee with thirty two languages left in the limbo. We do not know the reason why Maithili which has the same population base, and the other three with much far smaller base than Koshali were included but Koshali did not get the nod. Inclusion of Koshali in the 8th schedule is crucial for Koshalis and I will try to give some of the reasons.
1. For generations, Koshali students through the formative school years had to learn even the non-language courses through Oriya and were punished by the teachers from coastal area( I can vouch from my experience) if students use Koshali in the classroom. Needless to say, it has caused lot of drop outs. Moreover, we had to write answer papers in Oriya. Those with good linguistic aptitude managed it well but for vast majority, it was a handicap. Our overall marks were lower. I know of many bright students failed again and again in both matriculation and I.A./I.Sc. because of their poor Oriya. I realise that schooling system in all over India has changed quite a bit since my time but the problem remains essentially the same. Thus we never had or have a level playing field. Hopefully, such situation can be averted through 8 th schedule.
2. The same situation occurs when recruiting civil servants. Competency in Oriya is a must. This is one of the reasons you will see huge number of minor civil servants in every nook and corner in Koshal area but you will not find as many from Koshal area in non-Koshal area.This of course has caused social disharmony.
3.One of the advantages of 8 th schedule is availability of funds to enrich the language. Perhaps our brethren in non-Koshali area are not aware that Koshalis are passionately involved to enrich the language. Major classics like Ramayan,Gita, Mahabharat are already in print or are being written up. Currently Nil Madhab Panigrahi, 90 plus years, bed ridden and partially paralysed has already published 6 volumes of Mahabharata. Two more volumes are in the process of publication. He is determined to finish the rest before he passes away. Dictionaries, Grammar, plays, novels, anthology of poems, Granthavalis of major poets like Satya Narayan Bohidar, Koshali panjikas,, several books on history of Koshala, biographies on Koshali heroes, etc. already in print without any funding from the government. BENI is a magnificent monthly literary magazine, full of literary pieces of high quality as well as great artwork.Though we have a long way to go, several newspapers in Koshali are coming up. Most Orissans know of artistic genius of Krutartha Acharya for his Sambalpuri Sarees. But few know of another textile design genius Late Jadunath Supakar, who had to leave Orissa for Varanasi was awarded Padmashree. At least three Koshali language movies have been produced, one of them receiving international acclaim. Old Koshali palm leaf and copper plate documents are to be digitised. Revival of Koshali dances and theatricals are performed in major cities and towns. Recently Sapan Mishra put forth a formidable list of major literary works in Koshali. This is but very inadequate and brief snap shot of cultural activities in Koshal area. There is a sort of renaissance in all aspects of Koshali culture and heritage Lot of things remain to be done. In short, all these and much more are accomplished without much help from the Orissa government because Koshali is not included in 8 th schedule. Interestingly, if my memory serves correct, as soon as Santhali came under 8 th schedule, Orissa government announced financial help to promote the language. For Koshali ? None.
4. Inclusion in 8 th Schedule will also facilitate governance in Koshal area. Notices are given now in the villages in Oriya; not very literates do not understand the full implications of these notices. Civil servants from non-koshali area who do not even have rudimentary knowledge of Koshali can not communicate with citizens, thus resulting in miscommunication. In fact Orissa is among the minority of states which claims to have only one language. Out of 28 provinces, 15 have more than one official language. Out of 7 union territories, 6 have more than one recognised language. In a democracy freedom of expression is a fundamental right of the citizen. Good governance requires efficient communication between the citizens and the government. Is it not ironic that Orissa CM does not speak Oriya ? He truly symbolises the basic oxymoronic stance of the Orissa government on language issue.
5.Dr. Patnaik correctly says that language has no barrier. When Koshali speaking tracts were brought in to the fold of Orissa, 6 districts of Koshali speaking population remained with modern Chhattisgarh. Koshalis are going through the same problem in Orissa as they are in Chhattisgarh. Inclusion of Koshali in the 8 th schedule will go a long way to improve governance in both provinces.
6. Because Koshali is not in the 8 th schedule, it is not listed in the list preference for languages in the Census counting. As the 2011 census official statistics shows the whole Orissa speaks nothing but Oriya, which of course is erroneous. We do not even know what is the real figure for both Oriya and Koshali !
To be continued
Regards
Dr. Arjun Purohit, Canada———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
We Protest the Article for the following reasons-1.His writings are emotional on a subject which require factual corroborations.
2.His language,tone & tenor is objectionable when he uses questions such as,a-Why this elation ? b-Is it because Koshali-Sambalpuri has been tagged together ? c-Is it that Koshali-Sambalpuri is going to be recognised as mother tongue ? d-Is it because if language is recognised, it will pave way for the creation of a separate state ? e-Is it because other literary award will be given for this literature ?
If the answers to all these teasing questions are BIG ‘YES’,’YES’,’YES’ than what is the harm ??? Who is he to deny us the status of a separate language ??? He tried his best to do it 40 years back when he was at the helm of affairs, to suppress the voice of truth. He was successful in strangulating our throat. Now, in the year 2004 when the language committee headed by Dr.Sitakanta Mahapatra, who had recommended to Govt. of India that 7 languages deserve to be included in the 8th schedule of the Indian Constitution, the Govt. took decision to declare inclusion of 4 languages,such as,Maithili,Konkani,Santhali & Bodo in the 8th schedule. The than Minister of States,Home Shree Ajay Makan had said that there is no time frame for the inclusion, but it will be done in a phase wise manner. Shree Debi Prasanna Patnaik has no authority to deny such status to Sambalpuri-Koshali language as decided by the due authority of Govt. Does he ? It is a matter of recognition only. People of Koshalanchal use this language in every spheres.
Yes, Koshali-Sambalpuri is tagged together by the linguists also. It is one & synonymous.Who are you to create a difference ? Sambalpuri-Koshali is the mother tongue of more than one crore & fifty lakhs of people of Koshalanchal. It is more than many so called official languages recognised by the Govt. in the 8th schedule. The recent Census has recorded Sambalpuri-Koshali as mother tongue of lakhs & laks of people. Whether it will pave the way for a separate state depends on other ‘trigger events’, not only the recognition of the language of a region but the impoverishment, marginalisation,colonisation,discrimination & exploitation of too, press the people to fight for a separate state of Koshal. Can you stop this Mr.Pattnaik ? Remember, even after the creation of separate state of Chhatisgarh, their language, Chhatisgarhi is yet to be recognised in the 8th schedule of the constitution.
Dont mix up state demand with the recognition of language issue. For your kind information, Odia is recognised as the second language of Andhra State since a few thousand people in Andhra Pradesh speak Odia. Why cant you see reason in recognising Sambalpuri-Koshali as second language of Odia & thereby facilitate cohesion among the two distinct parts of Odisha ? Rather than doing that you want to promote only Odia & you literary publication & literary awards to the users of Sambalpuri-Koshali language. You have sarcastically questioned the need for such a system of award to us by the state of Odisha. Does it belong to you only ? Than, why do you want to keep us with you ? Leave us. Tax is being collected from us also but while spending on language & literature, we only publish & award Odia. Why ??? Is it your money only ???
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Sapan Mishra, Sambalpur Koshal Pradesh Forum, Face Book E-mail: sapan.mishra1@gmail.com
Kosal Discussion and Development Forum 