Dec. 13, A new Nagpuri poetry collection titled Palash Kar Phool, written by retired professor Kedar Nath Das, was launched at the Nagpuri Department of the Faculty of Tribal and Regional Languages, Ranchi University. The event included a discussion on the collection, with various speakers reflecting on its significance.
Professor Dr. Umesh Nand Tiwari provided the introduction, while Dr. Reeju Nayak expressed thanks. Dr. Birendra Kumar Mahato hosted the program.
Dr. Savita Keshari, Head of the Nagpuri Department, emphasized that literature serves as a mirror to society. She noted that Professor Das’s work is an important step in revitalizing Nagpuri language literature. Dr. Keshari recalled a time when books in Nagpuri were scarce, and the language was undervalued, often referred to as “Ganwari.” Over time, however, Nagpuri gained prominence with the rise of magazines and media coverage, including local newspapers and radio-television.
She highlighted that many scholars have now established Nagpuri as an independent language. In this context, she described Palash Kar Phool as a meaningful contribution to Nagpuri society.
Dr. Rizwan Ali, Head of the Postgraduate Urdu Department and the chief speaker, discussed the emotional power of poetry. He explained that Nagpuri, a widely spoken contact language, has a deep connection to the region’s soil and culture. He praised Professor Das for gifting Palash Kar Phool to the Nagpuri community, adding that the poet‘s collection brings together the struggles, joys, and sorrows of his life. He also noted Das’s long association with the Jharkhand movement, which influenced his work.
Major Dr. Maheshwar Sarangi, another speaker, pointed out the growing trend of poetry writing in Nagpuri, which he saw as a positive development for the language. He stressed that literature has a profound impact on society and that the development of language directly contributes to the progress of the community.
Professor Kedar Nath Das shared that the collection reflects his life experiences. He emphasized the importance of preserving language and culture, stating, “To destroy a person or society, one must destroy its language and culture. Only by nurturing literature in our mother tongue can we preserve our identity.”
The event was attended by notable figures, including Professor Bandhu Bhagat, Manya Munda, Dr. Geeta Kumari Singh, Dr. Kumari Shashi, Dr. Archana Kumari, and several other academics, educators, and students from the university.
