Celebrating diversity

“They have puzzled us with allure of heaven/ They have bound us with allure of heaven/ They have blinded us with allure of heaven”

This is how Mithun Raksam's “Gandha Chor”, (The smell thief) starts.

The poetry book, depicting the life of the indigenous people and how their very essence is being stolen, was launched at this year's Amar Ekushey Granthamela by Teuri publication.

“We have our own language, culture and belief. But by adopting new cultures, we are losing our traditional views and customs. This is what I wanted to portray in my poem,” said the writer, who is a member of the Garo community.

The collective culture of the country is enriched by the distinctive lifestyles and cultural traditions of the indigenous communities, he said.

Like Mithun, a number of indigenous writers have brought out books portraying their lives in this year's book fair.

Bipom Chakma is one such writer, whose short story collection, “Ajagar”, is available at the fair. So is a collection of poems, “Fulguli Fulkopir”, by Porag Ritchil.

“My poems are about our lives, love and struggle. People should know about each other's cultures… It helps develop mutual respect,” said Porag.

Meanwhile at Sangbed publication, Prosanto Tripura's “Bohujatir Bangladesh: Sorup Onnesh o Oshikritir Itihash” and “Adibhasi Acche? Ache” edited by Sayema Khatun and Mahmudul Sumon were drawing readers' attention.

While visiting the fair yesterday, it was seen that only a few literary works were available portraying the lives of the indigenous communities. The number of books authored by indigenous writers is also very few.

However, indigenous writers and publishers do not see the lack of content, except for a lack of support and publicity. There are a few writers who are trying individually to familiarise their works to the readers in the book fair.

“Publishers should come forward in this regard…,” said writer Theopil Nokrek, a member of the Garo community. “Our literature would add a new dimension to the fair.” Theopil's second novel, “Bhalobasi Shudhu Tomakei”, published from Soptoborno publication is generating positive reviews.

At this year's book fair, the stall of Teuri publication is showcasing books mostly written by indigenous writers.

Teuri has brought out a Bangla translation of Monipuri poetry collection, “Sarnakamal”, by Mysnam Rajesh. “I established the publication house in 2016 to promote indigenous writers,” said Sadhan Maibam, its owner.

Meanwhile, on “Littlemag” premises at Bangla Academy, there are also quite a few stalls owned by members of the indigenous community featuring works of “adivasi” writers. The stalls include “Hooch” by Aloron Khisa, “Chibima” by Lebison Sku and “Thakbirim” by Mithun Raksham.  “Garoder Lokayoton Jibondhara” by Matendra Mankin and “Garo Jatir Bebhorito Bonojo Owsudhi” by Sumana Chisim are available at Thakbirim stall.     

“We need Bangla Academy's support to promote our works,” said poet Mithun Raksam.

Echoing him, Maibom of Teuri publication said, “Bangla Academy can dedicate a place to showcase our works.”

Contacted, Jalal Ahmed, member secretary of the book fair committee, said, “Bangla Academy always welcomes diversity and wants to promote the indigenous culture.”

“That's why we allowed Teuri to set up a stall at this year's fair,” said Jalal, also the director of Bangla Academy. He, however, lamented the lack of quality indigenous writings.