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Lifting the veil of non-familiarity

Recitation programme by K'jona featuring 14 adivasi languages

Nadia Sarwat
Imagine a quiet, sunny day by the bank of the river Karnaphuli; people going to the Shaheed Minar to offer flowers, honouring Language Movement martyrs. Suddenly from tattered bags of Loknath Baidya, Bhagaban Baidya and several others, alphabets rush out shyly. Inspired by those who sacrificed their lives to ensure the right to speak in mother language, the alphabets speak out, as the crowd remains silent.
Shishir Chakma's poem "Ma Aaojhar Arok" or “Amar Praan-er Barnomala" passionately composes this image. Poems in Chakma. Mandi, Santal, Hajong. Tripura and other adivasi languages spoke of their heritage, and of the relentless struggles to maintain their ways of life. K'jona. an organisation of reciters, held the programme titled "Ma Aojhar Arok," featuring poems in 14 adivasi languages. Bengali translations of the poems were also provided. The programme was held at TSC Auditorium. Dhaka University on February 8.
Prior to the recitation programme, a brief discussion on “Problems and Possibilities in Developing Adivasi Literature in Bangladesh ' was
held. Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University, Professor AAMS Arefin Siddiqui, was present as the chief guest. Poet Shishir Chakma. Manipuri poet AK Sheram, poet Asad Chowdhury and Professor Bishwajit Ghosh. Dhaka University were the discussants. Ahmed Badruddoza Mushtak, president of K'jona presided over the event.
“Except three or four, most of the adivasi communities don't have written alphabets. Their oral literatures, however, are no less opulent. It's a matter of regret the Bengalis know very little about the adivasi literature. We cannot accept this attitude from a nation that has a history of making the ultimate sacrifice for its language, to be indifferent to someone else's mother tongue," said Shishir Chakam in his speech.
“Like the beautiful diversity in our nature, the indigenous communities of this country enrich the collective Bangladeshi culture. According to Adivasi Forum, there are more than 45 adivasi communities in our country. Bengalis and we are living side by side in the same land for centuries, yet we're distanced with a veil of non-familiarity. This event provides us an opportunity to know each other through sharing our literatures,” AK Sheram noted.
Poet Asad Chowdhury pointed out that it is
because our lack of devotion for our own language that we are indifferent to someone else's language. He appreciated K'jona's effort, saying it's a national responsibility to arrange such events.
Calling the programme "historic," Professor Siddiqi in his speech demanded the government's attention to initiate activities of International Mother Language Institute soon to preserve and develop the languages of different adivasi communities in the country.
Members of the adivasi communities, Chakma, Mandi, Santal, Hajong, Marma, Chak, Ora(n)o, Tanchangya, Tripura, Manipuri (Bishnupriya and Maiteih), Mro, Malo (Sadri language) and Koch presented poems in their languages at the event. Bengali translations were recited by artistes of K'jona. Nimai Mandal compiled the poems and directed the production.
“Very few books on adivasi literature are available in the market. Though there are many organisations working with the adivasis, their literatures are always ignored. The event was organised with a view to share our respective literatures. We hope our endeavour will set an example in promoting adivasi poetry.” Nimai Mandal said.