KEY-NOTE ADDRESS
কোচ-রাজবংশী
ইতিহাস আর সাংস্কৃতিক ট্রেডিসনের উপড় সান্স্কৃতিক সেমিনার-কাম-ওআর্কশপ আর’হ
সাংস্কৃতিক কার্যক্রম, তারিখ ৩রা নভেম্বর ২০১৪ (ইং), স্থান-আর্য অডিটরিয়াম, দেশরাজ ক্যাম্পাস, সী-ব্লক, ইস্ট অফ কৈলাশ, নয়া দিল্লী
Seminar-cum-Workshop
on Koch Rajbongshi History and Cultural Tradition and Cultural Programme on
3rd November, 2014 at Arya Auditorium, Desh Raj Campus, ‘C’ – Block, Near ISKON Temple, East of Kailash, New Delhi -110065
(সম্ভাষণ আর’হ অভিবাদন Salutation
& Greetings to the Chair, Chief Guest, Special Guests and the audience)
আজিকার এই
ঐতিহাসিক অনুষ্ঠানত দেশ বিদেশ থাকিয়া এতলা সম্মানীয় গুনী-মানী
জনক সম্বোধন করিবার সুযোগ পুয়ার জৈন্ন কোচ-রাজবংশী সাংস্কৃতিক সোসাইটি, কোকরাঝাড়, আসাম-ক মুই আন্তরিক অভিবাদন জানাচু | আমার দেশের বিহার, পশ্চিম বঙ্গ, আসাম আর মেঘালয় থাকিয়া আসা অতিথি,
শিল্পী সহ বাংলাদেশ আর নেপাল থাকিয়া আসা শিল্পী আর অতিথিলাক বিশেষ ভাবে ধন্যবাদ দেছু|
আর সাথে, মুই-ও নিজে গর্বিত বোধ করেচু এই জৈন্ন যে ভারতের রাজধানী দিল্লীত প্রথম বার এই
রকম সাংস্কৃতিক অনুষ্ঠান সম্মিলিত আমরা আয়োজন করছি | আমরা সঘায় ভাগ্যশালী হবার সুযোগ পাইছি যে
আজি আমার ঐতিঝ্যশালী ইতিহাস আর সংস্কৃতির সম্পর্কে জানিবা পারিমো|
I
take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to Koch-Rajbongshi Cultural
Society, Kokrajhar, Assam for giving me the honour to address this historic
cultural meet. We extend our heartiest welcome to our esteemed guests from our
country as well as neighbouring countries of Nepal and Bangladesh. It’s a
matter of great honour to be part of this historic programme as this is the first
programme of this kind that we are collectively organising at New Delhi,
capital of India, my country. I must say that all of us present here are lucky
enough to get the opportunity to know about one of the largest and oldest ethnic
people of this part of the world who have a glorious past with brilliant
history and rich cultural heritage.
We
all know that we are much less talked about people in the Indian subcontinent
because we are docile, peace loving, publicity shy but patriotic. We are the
people whose forefathers were the aborigines of eastern and north-eastern part
of Indian sub-continent who guarded the frontiers from foreign aggression and
maintained sanctity of the motherland. They were the true sentinels of the
nation.
আমার সম্মন্ধে দেশের লোকে বেশী জ্ঞান রাখে
না| কারণ, আমরা শান্ত শিষ্ট, সহন্শালী আর
শান্তিপ্রিয়| আমার ইতিহাস অনেক পুরানা| ইতিহাস পরিলে জানা যায় যে আমার পূর্বজলা দেশের
প্রহরী ছিল, দেশক রক্ষা করে|আজিকার প্রোগ্রাম দেখিলে শুনিলে তোমরা সঘায় জানিবা
পারিবেন যে আমার ইতিহাস আর লোক সংস্কৃতি কত বিশাল আর ঐতিঝ্যশালী|
With the aim to make the people aware
of our glorious history and rich cultural heritage, today’s
seminar-cum-workshop is going to be very useful. We will get to get to know our
origin and pristine glories of the past which, I am sure will make everyone of us feel proud. Let me again tell you that
ethnically one, one of the most tolerant indigenous people of strategically
located areas in whole of North Bengal (barring its hilly terrains); in a major
part of Assam; western part of Meghalaya; Purnia and Kishanganj districts of
Bihar; Jhapa and Morang districts of Nepal; Rangpur, East Dinajpur districts
and northern Rajshahi division of Bangladesh and lower parts of Bhutan where our
indigenous people ordinarily reside from time immemorial. We are known as
Koch-Rajbongshi in Assam, Rajbanshi Kshatriya in North Bengal and Bihar;
Rajbanshi/Koch Rajbanshi in Nepal and Koch-Rajbongshi in Meghalaya and
adjoining areas. Deshi-Rajbanshi Muslims, Christians, Buddhist and Tribal form
integral part of our communities because of the one language and one culture.
We
have been unlucky in number of social aspects. Firstly, we have been suffering
from identity crisis. While we form majority in rural population, most of us
have been displaced from urban areas. Since, our mother tongue is officially
not recognized, on record, we are not identified by our mother tongue. As per
rough estimate, our population almost touches
2 crore but our presence is not
felt publicly.
In
history books available today, not much has been mentioned related to glorious
chapters of Kamata-Koch-Rajbongshi history. In Assam, to some extent, mention
of Pragjyotishpur, Barman dynasty, Kamrup-Kamata kingdom and Koch king Nara
Narayan and Viswa Mahaveer Chila Ray was made in their history books. Although,
history of Kamata-Koch kingdom was an integral part of history in Assam and was
taught in schools and colleges till few years back; now, it is being slowly
done away with. In Bihar and West Bengal, our glorious history is not all
taught in Schools and Colleges. This aspect needs introspection and reversal. I
feel, we are ourselves, are responsible for making our history obscure, unknown
to the nation and the world. We have given opportunity to others to write our
history that gave them the liberty to mold it to their convenience and to serve
their socio-economic and political purpose. Therefore, it is imperative on our
part to do research work and write it down to bring out the truth about our
history.
যেভাবে
আগত কহিচু, আমার ইতিহাস আমরায় পরিবা লাগে আর লেখিবা লাগে|
We
must know our history and write about it extensively. At times, history gets
distorted due to various reasons. It often becomes victims of political
upheaval and social degradation within the society. A kind of neo-colonialism
within the country and neighbouring countries has done much damage to the
history of Kamta-Koch-Rajbongshi people. While, mainstream people of Bengal,
Assam, Bangladesh, Bihar and Nepal have written volumes of their history and
highlighted their achievements, lack of interest, shyness, identity crisis and
fear of neo-colonialism among Koch-Rajbongshis prevented them to write and
highlight their glorious past. To cite an example, illustrious event of decade
long successful military campaign by Koch forces under able commandership of
Shukladhwaja, popularly known as Chila Ray, younger brother Koch king Nara
Narayan during sixteenth century which enabled unification of whole North East
with mainland India has remained unknown to many Indians and scholars.
I
have a firm conviction that history makes or mar a people. Without history,
identity gets lost in other mainstream people and finally communities disappear
forever. Disintegration among Koch
Rajbongshi people and differences among us in different parts of our own
country, India and neighbouring Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal are the result of
lack of knowledge about our own history. Further deterioration of the identity
and dignity of Koch-Rajbongshi people can be checked only when history of these
people is written and read by one and all. Ancient, medieval, modern histories
of our people carry such brilliance that one may wonder as to why such a great
history of Koch-Rajbongshi is still not widely discussed in forums and taught
in schools, colleges and universities. More research work need to be carried
out to dig out the true history of our people, then only brilliance of Koch - Rajbongshi
history will be come to light and dignified identity of our people will be once
again revived.
We
speak a language which traces its origin in our scriptures, ancient literatures
and old documents used by rulers of number of kingdoms in eastern and
north-eastern India, Nepal and Bangladesh. Our mother tongue was the main via
media or the lingua franca of Koch and Ahom kings during sixteenth century. Our
language has the closest similarity with the ‘Charyapad’, which was believed to
have written much before the development of modern Assamese, Bengali and Nepali
languages. Whatever may be name of the language, our mother tongue should find
a place in the list of those languages recognised by the Constitutions of
respective countries.
We speak
in different tones but our language is one. Whatever may be the name as decided
by the law makers and scholars, constitutional recognition should be given to
our language. There are 38 regional languages pending for inclusion in the 8th
Schedule of our Constitutional in our country, India. Our language is one of
them as mentioned ‘Kamtapuri’. It is learnt that a high level committee is
studying the proposal under certain parameters to consider grant of
constitutional recognition. The parameters are-total number of people speaking
in that language, contiguous areas where the people speaking the
language, how old is the language, number of publications in that language,
awards and recognition of the language by recognised organisations.
Our
language which is also known as Rajbanshi, Rangpuri, Tajpuri, Palia, Goalparia,
Deshi etc. More than 1.5 Crore people across India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and
Nepal speak in our language. Areas where our people reside are geographically
contiguous from time immemorial. The language is as old as historical records
are available. As already said, ‘Charrya Pad’, believed to have written during
7th to 10th century AD has the closest similarity with
that of our Kamta-Koch-Rajbanshi language than any other language including modern
Bengali, Oriya and Assamese. Numbers of publications have already been written
in our language. Eminent Rajbanshi scholar, Dr. Girija Shankar Ray has been
awarded with Sahitya Academy award few years back. In fact, our language should
be considered as the number one contender for constitutional recognition and
inclusion in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution.
As
we have different styles and dialects as our geographical areas change, at
times, we find it difficult in communicating among our Koch-Rajbongshis of
Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Bihar and Nepal. We need to have a standard
language of both as spoken and written. I personally feel that being the
sweetest, the language that is spoken by the Rajbongshi people living in an
axis from Rangpur in Bangladesh, undivided Goalpara district(Dhubri/Gauripur) of Assam, to
Mid-Jalpaiguri district in North Bengal is most suitable to become the standard
language. Rajbanshi Academy established by Govt. of West Bengal recently in
Cooch Behar is doing a yeomen’s service for the language.
Main
hurdle against our development is the problem in regard to our identity.
Identity crisis has been doing the most damage to our existence. I appeal to
all literate and well placed Rajbongshis not to feel shy to identify themselves
as Rajbongshi. Remember, if someone hides his or her identity, it helps the
other communities to rise while our people go to oblivion. This way, we will not be able to save our
communities from getting extinct. It is heartening to note that today, many a learned
Koch-Rajbongshi have come forward not hiding his or her identity and raises his
or her voice claiming restoration of their identity. Today’s cultural programme
should usher in a new dawn for our people.
Development of cultural aspects of a particular community
has a deep and long lasting impact on itself
and on the society as a whole. For example, widespread celebration of ‘Bihu’
with songs and dances in Assam, has acclaimed a higher cultural status not only
in Assam but in both national and international forums. Similarly, Rabindra
Sangeet has attained a much acclaimed position not only in Bengal and India but
all over the world. When we talk about our own cultural practices, we can feel
the indifference. Our own ‘Bhawaiya’ songs are so beautiful and soothing in
nature but still not much publicised and widely sung. Today, we remember late Abbasuddin
Ahmad, a Rajbongshi Muslim, popularly known as king of Bhawaiya songs. He gave
a much needed impetus in developing this genre of singing which made Bhawaiya
popular not only among Rajbongshis but others as well. We pay rich tribute to
late Pratima Barua Pandey, the illustrious singer of Rajbongshi folk songs,
namely Goalparia and Bhawaiya. Her melodious songs have touched every one’s
heart. We have many more great singers (today)also.
Our
traditional folk songs and dances are complete packages of both classical and
contemporary ingredients. It is heartening to note that numbers of cultural
organisations of our communities are taking interest in propagating our rich
cultural heritage. One such organisation is Koch-Rajbongshi Cultural Society of
Kokrajhar, Assam who has taken the initiative in organising this day long ‘Seminar-cum-Workshop
on Koch-Rajbongshi History and Cultural Tradition and every member of this
organisation deserves high appreciation.
It
is my personal feeling that we should name today’s programme as Grand Cultural
Meet of all Koch-Rajbongshi communities or call it ‘Rajbongshi Sangskritik
Mahamilan’. Such programmes should be organised in every year at most places in
Assam, Bangladesh, Bihar, Meghalaya, Nepal, North Bengal and of course, all the
places in the world wherever people of Rajbongshi origin reside regardless
their caste and creed.
I
take this opportunity to say one important aspect of identity about our origin.
We must remember, divided we fall, united we survive and rise; diversity must
be recognised to build unity. We may be ST in Assam and Meghalaya, SC in West
Bengal, OBC elsewhere, Kshatriyas in Nepal and North Bengal but, we are one by
our physiognomy and accent. To avoid further deterioration in cohesiveness and
unity among ourselves, we must recognise diverse cultures existing in our
sub-identities. Major sub-identities are Koch-Rajbongshi of Assam and Rajbanshi
Kshatriya in North Bengal, Purnia & Kishanganj districts of Bihar and
Morang & Jhapa districts of Nepal. Besides them, there are Koches in Garo
Hills, Palia in Dinajpur districts, Christian Rajbongshis, Rajbongshi Musalman
and others. For the purpose welfare and development, our people are again
divided on the basis of SC/ST/OBC. Such kinds of division and diversity should
be recognised and then only unity among us will be established firmly. We are
human being first and then come our sub-caste followed by common identity as
Rajbongshi (such as Koch-Rajbongshi or Kshatriya Rajbongshi, Tribal Rajbongshi,
Christian Rajbongshi, Musalman Rajbongshi, Buddhist Rajbongshi etc.) and
finally comes our common identity as Indian, Nepali or Bangladeshi. We must
take it as pride to be belonging to Koch-Rajbongshi community as our
forefathers gladly embraced Rajbongshi culture hundreds of years ago.
We
are here today, together with our counterparts of Nepal and Bangladesh, taking
a solemn pledge to cherish our pristine glories of our age-old past history and
rich cultural heritage. While we take the blame for our degradation in the
society, we wish to forget all the past mistakes. Let’s take a pledge to
dedicate ourselves for the cause of our social revival, making ourselves
educated, making our culture a vibrant one, working hard for our economic
development, reviving our language and making once again a common language Lingua-franca.,
which existed during ancient and medieval India. Finally, let’s reaffirm our Koch-Rajbongshi
identity a prestigious one like the one that existed centuries ago when number
of tribes and communities in eastern and north eastern part of Indian
sub-continent happily embraced Rajbongshi identity.
Let’s
celebrate today, make it a successful one. আইস, আজি সঘায় মিলিয়া দিনটাক স্মরনীয়
করিয়া তুলি|
(In today's speeches to be delivered by eminent scholars, dignitaries, workshop followed by a grand cultural programme, you all will see the grandeur of our glorious history and rich cultural heritage. Aptly, this event can be termed as the first such international event; truly a 'Koch-Rajbongshir Sangskritik Mahamilan'. Our culture is Koch-Rajbongshi and we are one).
Thank you once again.কোচ-রাজবংশী কালচারাল সোসাইটির পক্ষ
থাকিয়া আর’হ একবার সঘাকে ধন্যবাদ|
Jai Hind! - Capt. Nalini Ranjan Ray
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