The word Rasgulla is spelled in many different ways in India.
There is no uniformity though the Hindi word "Rasgulla" is more commonly used. The pronunciation too depends on the spelling.
Actually, even Odisha state's name, language and dance- Odisha, Odia and Odissi are constantly being misspelled by all, including those in power.
Is it too tough to take care and spell correctly?
Spelling someone's name right is also ensuring and showing love, respect, and care.
At least Rasagola must be spelled the same all across the state of Odisha.
This writer has been trying to explain this to the producer groups, government officials, intellectuals, social media users, and all.
More in this blog post- #RasagolaDibasa - Spelling Is Rasagola
Initiating #RasagolaDibasa i.e. Hashtag - "Rasagola Dibasa" online, apart from informing all that Odisha is the birthplace of the Rasagola and Niladri Bije is a centuries-old continuing tradition of Rath Yatra, was an attempt to stress on our Rasagola spelling too.
Why is Rasagola still being allowed to be spelled in so many different ways?
Even after celebrating #RasagolaDibasa online for the last couple of years starting 2015, and despite eminent sand-artist Padma Shri Sudarsan Pattnaik creating amazing sand-art with "Rasagola Dibasa" prominently mentioned, why do some people distort our Rasagola's spelling and even use different hashtag by changing the spelling of Dibasa to Divas or Diwas or Divasa etc?
How difficult is it to understand that it is important to spell and pronounce a word uniformly as our own?
Brand communication, reach, power, and branding suffers when we allow multiple spellings of Rasagola.
It was great that Bikalananda Kar Sweets took cognizance of this writer's multiple requests and updated the name to Rasagola on all their packaging. They even used it on their website and social media.
It is wonderful that persistent advocacy has resulted in- RASAGOLA- the name of their store in Bhubaneswar Airport.
Had there been no activism for Odisha Rasagola and GI, would we have got a Rasagola store at the Bhubaneswar airport?
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| Source: @PandaJay - Twitter |
Odisha has a variety of Rasagola. Different places have different shades and sizes.
But, most people are yet to experience these soft, melt-in-the-mouth Odisha Rasagola.
In contrast, most people have tasted the chewy and rubbery sponge-Rosogolla variety that is available everywhere.
Once all taste the soft and extremely tasty Odisha Rasagolas, people will discover how amazing they are.
This can happen when the Rasagolas of Odisha are available everywhere.
This is a request to all to please-
- Start using this uniform spelling- R-A-S-A-G-O-L-A, and update hoardings, banners, shop names etc.
- Sell Rasagola using common spelling- R-A-S-A-G-O-L-A, and update packaging material and marketing medium.
Now that Odisha has got the "Odisha Rasagola" GI tag, producers and sellers must apply for the Authorised User (AU)- Part B of the Odisha Rasagola GI registration.
After earning the AU certificate, they will be entitled to use the GI logo and tagline and take part in GI events and exhibitions.
This writer has been stressing on the need for AU registration for Odisha Rasagola ever since Odisha earned the GI in 2019.
Despite voluntarily explaining the GI process and lending proactive and total support for facilitation, and addressing producer groups and Registered Proprietor, OSIC, and co-applicant, UMBS, multiple times on multiple platforms- WhatsApp groups, emails, telephone-calls, personal visits, and media, it is surprising that action from their end is still awaited.
They are still waiting for the State Govt to explain them the meaning of GI and further steps ahead!
What is ironical is that the co-applicant had been included and registered as co-applicant because of the efforts of this writer. This was ensured so that they can be in charge and take care of the GI tag, rather than being dependent on the govt. body so as to avoid red-tape.
Sad to share that they aren't even providing NOC for the two AU applications submitted, thereby defeating the untiring and enthusiastic endeavour of this writer to ensure AU registration and introduction of 'Odisha Rasagola' GI worldwide.
Agreeing to use a uniform spelling, and owning the spelling is the first step to stake ownership of our centuries-old dessert. All must ensure using a single common spelling- Rasagola- all across.
Getting united to take the Odisha Rasagola GI forward is every producer's responsibility.
'Jo Dikhta Hai Wo Bikta Hai'- What is seen, sells.
Requesting all producers of Odisha Rasagola to get registered as AU and ensure Odisha Rasagola is sold with Odisha Rasagola logo, GI logo, and tagline.
Do reach out in case of queries. Always happy to facilitate.
Do write to- oditatrust <at> gmail <dot> com
I’m participating in the April #A2ZChallenge #BlogchatterA2Z
U For- Uniform, Users, Untiring, United
I am writing A-Z posts about Rasagola- 26 #RasagolaA2Z posts this April :
A- A To Z of Rasagola - April 1- Utkala Dibasa
B- Blatant Lies And Biased Reports About Rasgulla Invention
C- Cottage-Cheese, Chhena And Comments About Rasgulla
D- Rasgulla Day - Rasagola Dibasa Celebration
E- Odisha Rasagola At Exhibitions And Events
F- Facts, Fake News, And False Information About Rasgulla
G- GI Tags of Odisha And Odisha Rasagola
H- Historical Evidence of Rasgulla And Research
I- Indigenous Knowledge, IPR, Rasgulla And Indian Sweets
J- Lord Jagannatha's Favourite Sweet & Food
L- List of Lunar & Solar Indian New Year Days
M- Maha Bishuba Sankranti Or Pana Sankranti
N- Name Rasgulla, Niladri Bije And New Year Wishes
O- Odisha Art And Sweet- Pattachitra And Rasgulla
P- Proposal to Odisha Government For Rasagola And GI Celebration
This sincere attempt is to share information about Rasagola/Rasgulla and #EndRasgullaDebate.
Rasagola is a part of Odisha's traditional knowledge, continuing tradition, cultural heritage and identity.
More Rasagola posts here.
This is my fifth #A2Z Challenge, and my last four challenges have been about Odisha, India.
This is my fifth #A2Z Challenge, and my last four challenges have been about Odisha, India.
My previous #AToZChallenge posts here.
Are you aware of Rasagola/Rasgulla? Did you know that Rasgulla originated in Odisha?
Please do share any information about Rasgulla that you may have and which you feel must be documented and shared so that all are aware.
Jo dikhta hai woh bikta hai - of course that is a sad reality. Nice to see that campaign is bearing fruit and some are using right spelling even though still miles to go.
ReplyDeleteKudos to the ground level effort that each of the stake holders connected with this endeavor. And absolutely agree that a brand recognition requires uniformity in every aspect. It will be great when the registered users combine and use the LOGO of the GI Odisha. All the very best.
ReplyDeleteI used to think about the spelling every time i typed rasagola.but you are right uniform spellings are essential.
ReplyDeleteDeepika Sharma
Sach mein, Itne logon ke prishram ka fal mila, bahut khushi ki baat hai ki itni efforts ke baad Odisha ko ultimately shrey mila.
ReplyDeleteUniformity in spelling makes a huge differnce , no doubt. Once again hats off to your efforts!!