Tribal Language, Inclusion and Dissemination through First ever Satellite News Channel: A Case of Kalinga Television and KISS Alumni

 

Kadey Soren

 

In a first of its kind in Odisha, Kalinga TV launched a news bulletin in the name and style of “Santali Khabar”, exclusively in Santalilanguage. A unique initiative promoting Adivasi journalism through satellite news channel in Eastern India. It is giving a voice to poor and marginalised tribes, whose plight has long been overlooked by the Centre, State and Media. Tribal communities living in the mineral-rich, yet impoverished state of Odisha, have eked out a meagre living from the forests - farming, collecting firewood and wild fruits. Due to low literacy levels, lack of infrastructure and poverty, they have lived a relatively isolated life - unable to read newspapers or afford it, let alone have access to a power supply to run such initiatives.

 

As a result, the Students and Alumni of KalingaInstitute of Social Sciences (KISS) - made the initiatives of students run news - “Santali Khabar” mainly in Santal language, which comprise over 1.5 crore people speaking Santali language in India spread across five states including Odisha, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand and WestBengal . They have had little voice to publicly express issues that concern them as most can only communicate in their own language. Santali Khabar initiatives was first publicly announced & supported by Dr.AchyutaSamanta in 2017.

 

On completion of two years and 100 successful episode of “Santali Khabar”, in 22nd May, 2020 Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder KIIT, KISS announced daily broadcast of Santali Khabar. In the occasion Santali Khabar team also organised a webinar to retrospect its impact and way forward among Santali speaking populations. Alumni of KISS and one of the news reader, RaimatMurmu said that,” Santali language, our primary tool of thought and perception, is at the heart and mind of every individuals and groups. Our languages are constantly changing with the advent of modern technology and sometime into entirely new varieties of speech, leading to subtle differences in how we present ourselves to others with addressing contemporary Santal issues.

Santali Khabar initiatives revealing account brings several specialist from the field of linguistics, anthropology, and philosophy, to explore the fascinating relationship between language, culture and social interaction. Such is the mentor, chief translators and Sahitya Academy awardee-2019 Sri KalicharanHembram said, “ Initiatives by Kalinga TV is commendable and praiseworthy. Santali Khabar is not only broadcasting news in Santali but also restoring words and language itself.

Crusader of Santal’s social and cultural life, Mr. ChunuMurmu chief editor at Santali Khabar said that Santali Khabar initiatives is not merely a news channel run by educated Santali youths but a social movement in itself. We have covered news addressing various issues related to Santal plight, rituals, festivals, and Mission “OL CHIKI-2025”the global campaign by Santal population across globe to accomplished in centenary of invention of OlChiki by Pt RaghunathMurmu.

Santali Khabar has not only brought Santali discourse to range of major understanding such as,” use of Santali language influence perception of the world, learning to use language appropriately, determination of language choice in mono, bi- and multilingual communities; moreover Santali Language, Culture and Society will be essential for all those interested in language and its crucial role in social they lives.