Globalisation has played a transformative role in the evolution of tribal literature and culture, particularly for the Santali community. It has not only facilitated their connection with the wider literary world but also strengthened their ties with Santali people living in Bangladesh and Nepal since ancient times. This cross-border interaction has significantly contributed to the development and preservation of Santali language, literature, and culture.
Diversity in Santali Tradition and Culture
Just as India is home to diverse traditions and cultures, the Santali tradition exhibits vast diversity across different regions, spanning Nepal, Odisha, Bangladesh, Assam, and Chhattisgarh. Despite regional variations, the cultural essence of the Santali people remains intact, evolving with the changing times while maintaining its core traditions.
Key Milestones in Santali Globalisation
The impact of globalisation on the Santali community can be seen in major milestones, such as the International Santali Council conferences held in 1991 at Jamshedpur and in 1993 at Jhapa, Nepal. Organisations like the International Santali Council and the Adivasi Socio-Educational and Cultural Association in India played instrumental roles in promoting the Ol Chiki script and Santali cultural identity.
A major breakthrough came in 2008 when the Ol Chiki script was officially included in Unicode, marking the first step towards making the Santali language globally accessible. Almost a decade later, in 2017, young Santals from Bangladesh visited India to learn about the Ol Chiki script. This collaboration led to the launch of Santali Wikipedia in 2018, bringing together contributors from India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. The same year, Odisha saw the release of the first Santali literary e-magazine, Birmali, on a digital platform. Today, five Santali e-magazines—Birmali, Ayo Alang, Owang, Alle Chhatka, and Paris Poha—are actively running on digital platforms, contributing to the global literary exchange and preserving Santali literature.
Digitalisation and Literary Exchange
Santali Wikipedia became the first digital platform to provide a global identity to the language, while these e-magazines facilitated literary exchange among Santals worldwide. Digital publishing and e-books have made Santali literature more accessible, reducing barriers for emerging writers. Online platforms have fostered a global literary community, uniting Santals not only from India, Nepal, and Bangladesh but also from countries like the USA, Canada, Korea, and the UAE, where Santals seek to assert their identity. Additionally, Santali Global Voices is a multilingual website where contributors write about global issues in Santali, further expanding the reach of Santali language and literature.
The rise of digital archives has also played a significant role in preserving and promoting Santali literature. Many literary works, which were previously available only in print or oral traditions, are now digitized, ensuring accessibility for future generations. These archives not only help in the conservation of Santali literary heritage but also provide a platform for researchers and scholars to study and analyze Santali texts comprehensively.
Contemporary Initiatives in Santali Literature
From the current year, the All India Santali Writers Association has been conducting the International Santali Literary Festival, bringing together Santali writers and authors to share their literary experiences. Similarly, the Santali International Association (SIA) focuses on preserving and promoting Santali culture and literature among the overseas Santali community. Juwan Onoliya is another organization that regularly hosts international literary conferences for Santali youth.
Literary Contributions Across Languages
Globalisation has enabled Santali writers to draw inspiration from diverse traditions, languages, and philosophies. Writers such as Dr. Sowvendra Shekhar Hansda and Swapna Soren address contemporary issues in English, while authors like Chandra Mohan Kisku write in Hindi. Additionally, literary figures like Padmashree Damayanti Beshra, Dasarath Hembram, and R. Ashwani Banjan Murmu contribute to Santali literature in Odia as well. Today’s Santali authors not only document tradition and culture but also amplify marginalized voices, providing a platform for underrepresented communities to share their narratives. Migrant and diaspora writers explore themes of displacement, cultural hybridity, and identity negotiation in a globalized world.
Cultural Standardisation and Preservation
The Santal community has benefited immensely from cross-border relationships, enriching and strengthening its cultural heritage. This interaction has led to greater awareness and, in some cases, the standardisation of certain aspects of Santali culture while preserving its fundamental essence.
Santali cinema, performing arts, and music have also witnessed significant growth due to global exposure. Digital platforms like YouTube and streaming services have provided Santali filmmakers, musicians, and performers with a stage to showcase their art to a wider audience. As a result, Santali culture is gaining recognition beyond its traditional geographical boundaries, leading to new artistic collaborations and innovations.
Conclusion
Globalisation has played a vital role in the evolution of Santali literature and culture. It has facilitated cross-border literary collaboration, empowered marginalized voices, and enriched cultural expressions while preserving the deep-rooted heritage of the Santal community. As digital advancements continue to bridge gaps, the Santali literary and cultural sphere is poised for even greater global recognition and appreciation.
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