Professor Sunil Kalai, a Tripura-based filmmaker and social activist, illustrates the profound role of language in embodying history, culture, and identity. His book, Kok Borok, Cinema, Culture and Indigeneity, based on his PhD research, delves into Kok Borok, an indigenous language spoken in Tripura and parts of Bangladesh, which has been central to cultural and political discussions for decades.
Through his work, Prof. Kalai argues that Kok Borok’s evolution and its portrayal in cinema and digital media reflect the complex relationship between indigenous tribes and the Bengali community. He highlights the resilience of the Kok Borok language amidst ongoing struggles for recognition in a landscape dominated by languages recognised under India’s Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
Prof. Kalai critiques the existing hegemony of dominant languages like Hindi, Sanskrit, and English, asserting that smaller languages face existential threats. Language, he reminds us, thrives in its spoken form, continuously evolving with culture and technology, thereby adapting to the modern world.
A pivotal revelation in Prof. Kalai’s research is the transformative impact of digital technology on Kok Borok’s representation. Unlike print media, which often sidelines languages without formal scripts, digital platforms like cinema and social media enable indigenous communities to reclaim their narratives, empowering them to craft their own stories away from distorted portrayals.
He traces the historical documentation of Kok Borok back to British archives in the 18th and 19th centuries. The term itself signifies the language of the people, reflecting a rich legacy that has been largely excluded from mainstream discourse.
Looking ahead to regional cinema, Prof. Kalai acknowledges the challenges filmmakers face in competing with industries like Bollywood. Nonetheless, he believes that authentic local narratives can resonate on a global scale, citing Satyajit Ray’s success as proof that universal storytelling transcends boundaries. For emerging filmmakers in Tripura, he urges the necessity of critically engaging with content sharing reflective stories about cultural heritage and modern issues, stating that the digital realm holds limitless potential for indigenous voices.
In Prof. Kalai’s own words: “Who am I to restrict the language? It will flow even after 1,000 years.”
Professor Sunil Kalai’s book sheds light on Kok Borok, the indigenous language of Tripura, and its role in cultural and political discourse. It explores its evolution through cinema and digital media, highlighting the importance of self-representation by indigenous communities. Prof. Kalai critiques linguistic hegemony and emphasises the potential of digital technology for revitalising Kok Borok, urging aspiring filmmakers to utilise these tools for storytelling. He affirms that the language will persist beyond time.
In conclusion, Professor Sunil Kalai’s exploration of the Kok Borok language unveils its intricate ties to identity, culture, and resistance against dominant narratives. His insights reveal a changing landscape where digital technology empowers indigenous creative expression, marking a significant shift from historical marginalisation to recognition and self-representation. As Kok Borok continues to evolve, its future in storytelling holds promise for the preservation of cultural heritage and the empowerment of its speakers.
Original Source: www.indiatodayne.in
