HERITAGE

Initiative to develop folk culture of north Bengal

 

COOCH BEHAR, Aug. 10: The state government took an initiative to save and develop the rich folk culture of north Bengal. Following the plan a body named Uttar Banga Loko-Sanskriti Parishad (UBLSP) was constituted under the backward classes welfare department. State BCW minister Mr Jogesh Chandra Barman declared the formation of the UBLSP today after its first executive committee meeting at Circuit House in Cooch Behar.

 

Mr Barman said a new building would be erected for the UBLSP's head quarter in Cooch Behar. Till construction of the new building the UBLSP will function from the Kalyan Bhavan, the office of the backward classes welfare department in Cooch Behar.

 

The minister, who is the chairman of the UBLSP, said that their aim is to save the rich heritage of folk culture of six districts of north Bengal, its resurrection and to attract the youths of new generation of this region to learn and understand the folk culture. It will also extend financial assistance to the poor artistes, the minister said. The UBLSP will also inspire youths to conduct research, collect information and make documentations on the folk culture of this region.

 

Mr Barman mentioned that tribal culture has an important role in the colourful folk cultures of north Bengal. It will also get its importance. Awards and felicitations will be introduced for developing it. At the same time he admitted that the state government has its limitations to do all the jobs on its own. And so, they will try to get funds from other sources like Central information and cultural affairs ministry and tribal welfare department.

 

The minister said another body named Pashchim Banga Santhali Academy was formed recently to develop Santhal language, preparing its dictionary and grammar and develop the Alchiki type. The state government approved learning of Santhali language in 176 primary schools from the ongoing academic session. The language will also be included in the curriculum of Burdwan University and Vidyasaga University, the minister said. []