Book on Dr Narayan Bhagat’s Life and Literary Contributions Released in Ranchi

A book titled “Dr Narayan Bhagat: Personality and Literary Contributions”, authored by Dr Manju Kumari, was released at the Press Club in Ranchi at a programme organised by the Kurukh Sahitya Akademi, Ranchi.

The programme was chaired by Dr Gama Tigga, former Professor-in-Charge of Mandar College, Mandar. The event brought together prominent writers, academics, social workers, researchers and students to discuss Dr Narayan Bhagat’s contribution to Kurukh literature, tribal culture and the preservation of the language.

Senior litterateur Mahadev Toppo, the chief guest, described Dr Narayan Bhagat as one of Jharkhand’s prominent writers and thinkers and an important voice on tribal society and culture. He said Bhagat has contributed books across various literary genres and that the new publication would serve as an important addition to Kurukh literature and for speakers of the language.

Toppo stressed the importance of literature, writing and documentation in strengthening tribal society. He said greater emphasis should be placed on writing and reading literature to ensure the continued development of tribal languages and their literary traditions.

Dr Balram Oraon, speaking about the book, said Dr Narayan Bhagat has made Kurukh language, folk life, tribal culture and social concerns the foundation of his literary work. He said these themes are also reflected in Dr Manju Kumari’s book, which explores Bhagat’s contribution to literature and society. According to him, her work highlights Jharkhand’s tribal identity, nature, traditions, folk beliefs and social transformation.

Dr Satyanarayan Oraon of JN College, Dhurwa, said Dr Narayan Bhagat was among the first writers to publish books across almost every major genre of Kurukh literature. He described Bhagat as the “Father of Kurukh Literature” for his extensive contribution to the development of the language and its literary tradition.

Former MLA Dev Kumar Dhan called upon writers to produce more creative works to strengthen the demand for the inclusion of the Kurukh language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

Dr Shakuntala Mishra, publisher of Jharkhand Jharokha, said the publication house has brought out more than a dozen books by Dr Narayan Bhagat. She said Dr Manju Kumari’s work on his personality and literary contributions has further enhanced the recognition of tribal literature.

Several writers and intellectuals, including Prof Mahabir Oraon, social worker Bahura Oraon, Lavharmen Oraon, Chauthi Oraon, Prof Mahamani Kumari, Dr Narayan Bhagat, Prof Mahesh Augustine Kujur, Prof Shashi Vinay Bhagat, Dr Vineet Kumar, Dr Sita Kumari and Shiv Shankar Oraon, spoke about Bhagat’s contribution to Kurukh language and literature and his wider role in preserving and promoting tribal culture.

Research scholars Pooja Kumari and Reema Kumari, Vinod Tana Bhagat and more than 100 students also attended the book release programme.

Assistant Professor Premchand Oraon conducted the proceedings, while research scholar Shiv Shankar Oraon proposed the vote of thanks.

The programme highlighted the continuing importance of documenting the work of writers who have contributed to the preservation, development and wider recognition of Kurukh language and tribal literature in Jharkhand.