Abhimanyu Mahato has broken new ground in India's literary scene by translating the Bhagavad Gita into Kurmali and Santali for first time. Unveiled Sunday at event in Kolkata,these versions bring sacred text to thousands of tribal readers in their own languages.
Launch was held at Sujata Sadan. Kaushik Choudhury,West Bengal's Minister of State for Education,opened program. He stressed how important these translations are for promoting linguistic diversity and giving indigenous communities access to literature. Choudhury noted that every language holds unique history and cultural identity. Efforts like this preserve heritage and connect younger generations to their mother tongues.
Mahato,who received the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar,comes from Sarberia village in Purulia. He said translating the Gita was more than swapping Sanskrit words for Kurmali or Santali. He aimed to capture the philosophical core in a way that resonates with everyday readers. “The goal was to make the Gita accessible to those who think and speak in Kurmali and Santali,” he said. “A reader should grasp the essence without relying on another language.”
The translations cover all 18 chapters of the Bhagavad Gita, maintaining original spirit with simple,readable language. Santali edition uses the Ol Chiki script,widely known among Santali speakers in eastern India.
Audience feedback emphasized relevance . Birsa Soren,a postgraduate student from Jhargram,said reading Gita in Santali would resonate deeply with youth. “We always heard of the Bhagavad Gita,but most read it in Bengali or Hindi. In Santali,it feels much closer,” he said.
For Sabitri Mahato,a schoolteacher from Purulia, these translations could inspire students to value their linguistic heritage . She noted children often think significant literature exists only in major languages. “This sends a different message—that our language can carry great ideas too,” she remarked .
Cultural activist Chaitan Tudu from Bankura felt pride in this publication,calling it achievement for tribal communities. “Our languages have rich traditions of songs and folklore. Adding the Bhagavad Gita to that is memorable,” he said.
Scholars at event noted these translations enrich Kurmali and Santali literature, becoming valuable for students,researchers,and anyone interested in Indian philosophy and regional languages. It's part of a broader push to promote indigenous languages through translation and publication.
The Bhagavad Gita has been translated into many languages,but this marks new chapter in bringing classical literature to communities facing barriers to such texts. As copies reach readers in Purulia, Jhargram,Bankura, and other tribal areas,these translations are set to find homes, libraries,and schools, introducing a familiar text to new linguistic audiences…
