Context:
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The University of Calcutta has launched a six-day programme aimed at preserving Lodha and Toto, two endangered tribal languages of West Bengal.
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The initiative reflects growing recognition of language loss as a cultural crisis, especially among Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
Key Highlights:
Focus of the Initiative
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Dedicated to Lodha and Toto languages, both spoken by PVTGs.
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These are the only tribal languages in West Bengal receiving Central funding.
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Around 40 participants from the Lodha and Toto communities are involved.
Programme Components
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Translation workshops:
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Indigenous texts translated into English and Bengali.
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Enhances accessibility and archival preservation.
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Cultural performances & exhibitions:
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Lodha theatre performances
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Display of community-authored texts and cultural artefacts
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Community interaction sessions:
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Emphasis on oral traditions and lived cultural practices.
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Community Partnership-Based Research Model
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Designed as a participatory and collaborative model, not top-down research.
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Tribal community members:
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Shape the content
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Define priorities
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Co-own research outcomes
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Research findings will be shared back with communities, ensuring transparency.
Institutional & Funding Support
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Supported by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) and aligned with UNESCO priorities on linguistic diversity.
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ICSSR funds about 34 such projects annually; this is West Bengal’s only project this year.
Cultural & Social Significance
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Addresses rapid decline in tribal languages due to:
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Shrinking speaker base
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Dominance of major languages
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Limited institutional support
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Helps:
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Preserve oral traditions
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Enable intergenerational transmission
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Strengthen cultural identity and pride
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Acts as a tool against marginalisation and cultural erosion.
Policy Context
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India has 75 PVTGs, facing acute socio-economic and cultural vulnerabilities.
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Language preservation aligns with:
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Tribal welfare objectives
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National and international frameworks on cultural and linguistic rights
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Long-Term Implications
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Creation of:
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Bilingual linguistic archives
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Educational and research resources
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Potential future outcomes:
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Inclusion of tribal languages in curricula
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Development of digital archives
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Greater visibility in local governance and cultural platforms
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UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
GS 1 – Art & Culture
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Preservation of indigenous languages and cultural heritage
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Tribal cultures and oral traditions
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Cultural diversity and identity
Prelims Focus:
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Lodha and Toto tribes
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Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)
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Role of universities and ICSSR in cultural preservation
Mains Enrichment:
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Discuss the role of community-led initiatives in preserving endangered languages.
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Examine how language preservation contributes to cultural rights and social inclusion.