I am obliged to write about the recent statement made by Deviprasanna Pattnaik, noted linguistic and diehard enemy of Sambalpuri/Kosali language in a seminar in New Delhi. He is for the unity of Odisha and considers recognition to this language a huge threat to it.
While I appreciate his concern for Odisha’s unity, I feel his comments on Sambalpuri/Kosali as uncalled for as it is out of place.
My point rests on simple logic.
If recognition to Sambalpuri/Kosali language is a potential danger to Odisha’s solidarity, Deviprasannas would always like to keep the language and the people under developed and would be happy if the language is not spoken at all by the people. The Govt. has in the past adopted similar policies to subordinate this language and kept it away from the offices, officers and official purposes. Had the language spoken in western Odisha gone extinct as a result of such dubious policy it would have been a different matter.
But languages are known to survive amidst apathy and hostility as many have become extinct despite all possible patronage. Sambalpuri or Kosli or Sambalpuri Kosli or Kosli Sambalpuri, as you may like to call it, showing great tenacity, is alive and kicking, as the speakers of this language feel strongly about it.
When the Government of Odisha recommended the language for inclusion in the 8th schedule of the constitution it was amending its language policy. It was a laudable step to ensure the all round development of the state. It was a positive step towards keeping the state united and thwart attempts to divide it on grounds of regional disparities.
Deviprasannas fail to see that Odisha has reasons to be proud of Sambalpuri/Kosali language, literature and its culture. I am sorry for his inability to accept the truth that the people here have a positive attitude towards their language and by denying the language its constitutional rights YOU are only paving ways for a separate state.
So the few Deviprasannas Odisha has must realize that they are doing a great disservice to the unity of Odisha by opposing just policies of the Government in the name of solidarity.