The Department of Hindi, School of Language and Literature, KISS Deemed to be University (KISS-DU) organized a Webinar on ‘Adivasi Sahitya Aur Sanskriti: Chunoutiyan Evam Sambhavanayen’ (Tribal Literature and Culture: Challenges and Possibilities) on 27th August, 2020. The topic holds paramount relevance, as KISS has been unremittingly working on preserving, documenting and revitalizing indigenous culture, heritage and languages since its inception. The webinar traced the journey of Adivasi literature and culture in the later part of 20th century and its reflection on Hindi writings.
In his address, the chief speaker, Prof. Damodar Mishra, Dean, Faculty of Arts and Commerce, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore (West Bengal) said, “The tribal community in India has a rich cultural heritage. Apart from their languages and dialects, they have vibrant socio-cultural life. This aspect of tribal community remained insignificant over the years and had no place in literature. It was towards last two decades of the 20th century, when the Indian literature started encouraging changes through reasoning and deliberations.
“Particularly, Hindi literature took a leading role in such evolution of advancements. It was during this phase that the tribal community, its languages, literature and social set-ups drew attention and started reflecting in the Indian literature. In Hindi literature also tribal communities received due recognition in various forms of creative writings. In these writings the external and internal challenges related to socio-economic, political and cultural aspects of tribal communities were identified and dwelt upon”, Prof. Mishra explained.
He also opined that in these writings reflections of opportunities and possibilities are clearly visible. He substantiated it by citing references from poems, stories and novels from Hindi literature. Prior to his speech, he commended Prof. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT & KISS for translating his dream into reality by envisioning a model like KISS.
Earlier, Prof. Harekrishna Satapathy, Vice-Chancellor, KISS – DU, in his welcome address, elaborated on the objectives of establishing an innovative department of Comparative Tribal Language under the University and its importance in the present day society in general and KISS in particular. Prof. Satapathy also underlined the need for researching on the comparative angle of literature and language. He summed-up the session and reiterated the key points covered by Prof. Mishra. The informative discourse was followed by a stirring question and answer session.
Ms. Sudhanshubala extended vote of thanks on behalf of the entire organizing team. The webinar was organized and coordinated by Dr. Ranjita Jena and Ms. Sudhanshubala Sahoo from the Department of Hindi, School of Language and Literature, KISS-DU.