NabarangpurOct 12 [UDN}: The Desia language is an integral part of the identity, heritage and cultural life of tribal communities. Like other languages, it possesses a rich literary tradition and a distinctive cultural legacy that has been preserved for hundreds of years through oral traditions. However, concerted efforts by both government and non-governmental organisations are essential to protect, document, promote and popularise this important indigenous language among future generations.
This view was expressed during a seminar on “Desia Literature of the Dandakaranya Region” and a mother-tongue poetry recital organised jointly by the Sahitya Akademi and Desia Kutum, Dhodra, on Sunday at the Mission Shakti Conference Hall in Nabarangpur.
The programme focused on the originality of the Desia language, its long-standing oral literary traditions, and its immense literary, cultural and social significance. Speakers highlighted the need to preserve the language as an essential component of tribal identity and ensure that its rich heritage continues to thrive in the years ahead.
Prominent poet and member of the Sahitya Akademi’s Odia Advisory Board, Dr Preetidhara Samal, delivered the welcome address. She welcomed the participants and set the tone for discussions on the importance of preserving and promoting Desia language and literature.
The seminar featured several distinguished speakers and experts, including noted Desia-language poet Ganesh Chandra Bisoyi; Prabhati Bisoyi, a researcher and district correspondent for Doordarshan and All India Radio; educationist and researcher Subhash Chandra Mishra; and eminent researcher Dr Rajendra Padhi. They discussed various dimensions of Desia language and literature, highlighting its historical roots, cultural richness and continuing relevance within tribal society.
The speakers emphasised that the richness of Desia extends far beyond its vocabulary. Its literary and cultural wealth is reflected in folk tales, folk songs, traditional practices, everyday lifestyles, collective memories and the experiences of generations of tribal communities. These oral traditions serve as important repositories of indigenous knowledge, social values, historical experiences and cultural identity.
They observed that Desia literature has survived for centuries largely through oral transmission. While this tradition has helped preserve the community’s heritage, systematic efforts are now required to collect, document, transcribe and publish its literary works. Such initiatives would help safeguard valuable cultural materials that might otherwise be lost over time.
The speakers also stressed the importance of introducing the younger generation to Desia language and literature. They called for greater cooperation among government institutions, literary organisations, researchers, writers and local communities to strengthen preservation initiatives and expand the language’s reach.
According to the participants, coordinated efforts could create more opportunities for research, literary publication, cultural programmes and mother-tongue education, thereby helping Desia retain its vitality and ensuring that its literary heritage is passed on to future generations.
Desia Kutum president and eminent researcher Simon Bidika delivered the presidential address at the seminar. The organisation’s secretary and young researcher Sabyasachi Bisoyi proposed the vote of thanks, acknowledging the participation and contributions of the speakers and attendees.
### Mother-Tongue Poetry Recital Highlights Desia’s Creative Potential
A poetry recital in the Desia language was also organised as part of the programme to celebrate its literary creativity and artistic expression.
The poetry session was presided over by Ranjan Mahuria, while Swarnalata Pattnaik and Sushobhita Marilyn Turuk coordinated the proceedings.
Several poets recited their compositions in their respective mother tongues, demonstrating the expressive power, creative diversity and literary potential of Desia. The recital provided a platform for poets to showcase their work and highlighted the role of poetry in preserving indigenous languages and strengthening cultural connections within communities.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Chandrasekhar Das. Jayanta Pattnaik coordinated the overall event.
The seminar and poetry recital served as an important platform for literary discussion, cultural exchange and awareness about the need to preserve Desia language and literature. Participants underscored that safeguarding indigenous languages requires sustained institutional support, active community participation and the involvement of younger generations.
The central message of the programme was that the preservation of Desia is not merely a linguistic responsibility but also an essential effort to protect the history, cultural identity, traditional knowledge and collective heritage of tribal communities in the Dandakaranya region.
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