Erecting narrow domestic walls over language

Anirban Choudhury

(The writer can be reached at eternalflame2000@gmail.com)

A needless controversy has been kicked up once again in Assam over the issue of language by some self-proclaimed advocates of sub-nationalism, a.k.a. jatiyatabad. Politics over language and cultural imposition have spelt doom for the state, pitting communities against one another and even leaving it truncated. The growth of separate identities among various ethnic groups and tribal sub-nationalism can all be attributed to this phenomenon. However, while much water has flowed down the Brahmaputra, a handful of individuals and groups unfortunately don’t seem to have learned any lessons from history.

Actually, in a culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse state such as Assam, seeking a homogenous identity is nothing short of imprudence. For instance, a Rengma from Karbi Anglong, a Zeme Naga from Dima Hasao or Khasi Pnar from Hailakandi can’t be expected to understand the Axomiya language, let alone speak. And they can’t be blamed for this. For, historically, barring the Brahmaputra valley, Axomiya was never spoken in the hills of Jaintia-Khasi Hills (now Meghalaya), Lushai Hills (now Mizoram), Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong, and Barak Valley and Dhubri-Goalpara (all of which were part of East Bengal). Understandably, given the history and sensitivities involved, even the Government of Assam has recognised four languages for official use: Axomiya, Bengali, Bodo, and English.

However, these agents of sub-nationalism would have none of these in their single-minded pursuit of “one state, one language, and one culture” agenda, which runs contrary to the “Bor Axom” envisioned by the “Bard of Assam”, Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. Of course, this is not to denigrate the Axomiya language. But the insistence by a few that everyone speak only in that language isn’t quite in keeping with the great Axomiya tradition of plurality and runs counter to government policy too.

A vast majority of people have since moved away from such a parochial mindset. But, to draw sustenance and keep themselves relevant, a few individuals and groups seem determined to keep raking up the issue of language, driving a wedge among the people on linguistic grounds, thereby creating bad blood among communities. The unsavoury incidents at a few locations in Upper Assam during the recent Durga Puja celebrations are reflective of such a regressive mindset. The manner in which banners of some puja pandals reportedly written in Bengali were torn down and organisers threatened by members of certain organisations definitely doesn’t bode well. The foundation of the Axomiya language isn’t so weak that its edifice would simply crumble just because someone had put up a signboard in Bengali or in any other non-native language.

Further, as a natural corollary and by the same logic, wouldn’t the locals in Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, Germany, the UAE, etc. be justified if they forced the Axomiya diaspora living there to write their banners only in Kannada, Hindi, Bengali, German, or Arabic, respectively, during Bihu celebrations? Would the jatiyatabadis support such a move? Also, taking this logic further, wouldn’t a Bodo, Karbi, or Dimasa also be justified in insisting that a non-native speak or write only in their language in BTR, Karbi Anglong, or Dima Hasao, respectively? Hence, such a parochial mindset could boomerang, pushing the state once again perilously on the brink.

Actually, implicit in the imposition of any language is the outlook that it is best preserved and strengthened by expecting a non-native speaker to speak it, which is fundamentally flawed. If any community wants to uphold its language and culture, then initiation by members of the community should begin early in life. No mother tongue can be expected to flourish without its native speakers taking pride in and using it profusely, which unfortunately seems to be the case in Assam. The cause of Axomiya language and literature is definitely not being served by many parents of native speakers taking pride in their children’s ability to communicate in English more fluently than in their mother language, nor by the occasional defacing of signboards written in Bengali or Hindi.

Finally, singling out the Bengalis and spewing venom against the community too reflect the jatiyatabadis in a poor light. No one holds any brief for the few odd Durga Puja organisers who put up the signboards in Bengali, nor can there be any debate over patronising the Axomiya language in the state. However, targeting an entire community and blaming it for the current plight of the native language isn’t fair nor justified, especially considering their immense contribution to the promotion of the native language, literature, and culture.

For the uninitiated and to walk back in history, Sir Ashutosh Mukherjee (a Bengali) was instrumental in the introduction of the Axomiya language at Calcutta University. Perhaps unbeknownst to many, he had even come to Guwahati as a member of the Commission of the University of Calcutta in March 1918 to hold discussions in this regard with the educated individuals of Assam. Similarly, his illustrious son, Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee, advocated Axomiya as the medium of instruction in all government schools in Assam. Also, can anyone deny the contribution of the likes of Dr. Amalendu Guha, Anima Guha, or Pulak Banerjee to Axomiya literature, music, and culture? There are countless such examples of Bengali individuals enriching the state in varied fields. Hence, calling out an entire community is unfair. Also, the Axomiya and Bengali communities have lived together in harmony and complemented each other for the past few centuries.

However, it’s important to bear in mind that the recent unfortunate incidents must be seen in isolation and aren’t a reflection of the parochial mindset of the Assamese community. In fact, nothing can be further from the truth. For if there was ever a society that was so open and accommodating, then it had to be the greater Axomiya samaj. It’s only a handful of miscreants who are out to sully this image by creating rifts within. It was about time such elements were reined in in the interest of harmony, peace, and progress, besides preventing further balkanization of Assam.