Bikashrai Debbarma
Bikashrai Debbarma | |
|---|---|
 Debbarma in 2023 | |
| Born | 22 May 1960 |
| Occupation |
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| Notable works |
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| Notable awards | Doulat Ahmed Award |
Bikashrai Debbarma (born May 22, 1960) is an Indian poet, author and composer from the state of Tripura. The majority of his writings in Kokborok are based in the lived realities of the people in Tripura in north-east India. His 2021 poetry 'Tutankhamun ni Pyramid' won the Doulat Ahmed Award for best publication in the year 2022.[1]
Debbarma and playwright Nanda Kumar Debbarma recently compiled 'Chirik Morok',[2] an anthology of Kokborok poetry.[3] He is also the president Kokborok Sahitya Sabha (KBSS) and of the confederation RSKC (Roman Script for Kokborok Choba).[4] In 2023, he was nominated as member of the General Council (2023–2027) of the Sahitya Akademi.[5]
Works
[edit]Know mostly for his poetry, Bikashrai Debbarma is considered among the widely known 'Kokborok Modernist'.[6]
Language advocacy
[edit]As president of the Roman Script for Kokborok Choba (RSKC)[7], Debbarma has been active in advocating for the upliftment of Kokborok language. RSKC led by veteran Kokborok literary activists have demanded Roman Script to included as official script for Kokborok.[8]
Impact and legacy
[edit]Debbarma was a major influence and inspiration to the Kokborok Indie-folk band Koloma and its singer Rumio Debbarma's songwriting. In an interview with Roots and Leisure, the frontman Rumio said: "Seeing how our traditional folk culture is dying among the current and younger generations, I wanted to preserve it by writing songs that blend our traditional style with modern genres. We started making our own blend of folk fusion music to grasp their interest. I have also always been very inspired by the local legend Bikash Rai Debbarma."[9]
Selected published works
[edit]- Chirik Morok (2022)
- Tutankhamun ni Pyramid (2022)
- Text Message[10]
Awards
[edit]- Doulat Ahmed Prize, 2022[11]
References
[edit]- ^ "Kokborok Koklopni Hayung by Ashit Debbarma – Kokborok Kokrwbai". 2024-04-11. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
- ^ Roy Debbarma, Bikash; Debbarma, Nandakumar, eds. (2022). Chirik-morok. Agaratala: Nihārikā. ISBN 978-93-86781-09-3.
- ^ Support (2024-10-18). "Bikashrai Debbarma". shillonglitfest.com. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
- ^ Banik, Mrinal Kanti (2024-02-11). "Watch: Veteran author tells why Roman script is ideal for Kokborok". EastMojo. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
- ^ "..:: Welcome to Sahitya Akademi ::." sahitya-akademi.gov.in. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
- ^ Debbarma, Khapang (2022-01-19). "Will Places And Rivers Of Tripura Ever Be Restored Back To Their Kokborok Names?". Adivasi Lives Matter. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
- ^ "Roman Script for Kokborok: 56 organizations jointly stage protest | tripuratimes". Roman Script for Kokborok: 56 organizations jointly stage protest | tripuratimes. Retrieved 2024-12-25.
- ^ "Tripura indigenous bodies seek Roman script for Kokborok". Hindustan Times. 2022-04-30. Archived from the original on 2022-10-20. Retrieved 2024-12-25.
- ^ Vilina (2018-08-28). ""We Want to Preserve Our Folk Songs and Native Language 'Kok Borok' Through Our Music" – Meet Folk-Fusion Band KOLOMA from Tripura". Roots and Leisure. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
- ^ "Review Article: The Fragrant Joom Revisited: A Translation of Kokborok Poetry in English by Ashes Gupta – Rupkatha Journal on Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities". rupkatha.com. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
The translations of the 'modernist poets', especially the poetry of Bikash Roy Debbarma and Kishore Murasingh make one come to terms with the harsh and painful truth of the never ending conflict between the indigenous folks and the Bengalis (non-tribal population) of the state.
- ^ Support (2024-10-18). "Bikashrai Debbarma". shillonglitfest.com. Retrieved 2024-12-25.