Vocal For Local

Thursday, 2 January 2025

Vocal For Local

It is said- "As in Rome, do as the Romans do."

Anywhere in the world, can we speak the way we generally do?

We speak to be understood.

We speak to convey our feelings.

If we are in Rome, Tokyo, Lima, or Timbuktoo, we must speak the local language to be understood.

I came across this article in the Economic Times earlier-

"When In Venice, Do As The Bengalis Do"-

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/et-commentary/when-in-venice-do-speak-as-the-bengalis-do/articleshow/114177255.cms?

In this article, the writer mentions about Rabindra Sangeet too.

But, look at the spelling mentioned-

"Robindrosongeet"

Sri Rabindra Nath Tagore composed and promoted Rabindra Sangeet.

However, the pronunciation and spelling used as as shared in the above news report.

If Rabindra Sangeet is Robindrosongeet, and Rasagola is Roshogolla, then why is Bengal's Pot/Potua art being referred to as Patachitra now?

Pattachitra/Patachitra is Odisha's ancient art that is linked with the Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri, Odisha.

Have been sharing about this for long.

If Rasagola that originated in Odisha is being called- Rosogolla / Rasogolla in Bengal,

Shouldn't Patachitra that originated in Odisha be called - Poto / Pato art in Bengal?

Actually, it should be simply - POT as their festival name is - "POT Maya"https://t.co/ZCFGsU0NDK
— Anita Sabat - ଡ. ଅନୀତା ସାବତ (@anitaexplorer) October 28, 2020

While there is a focus on- "Vocal For Local," local and traditional words/names, etc., are not used by some. Rather, they latch on and misuse and misrepresent the other popular name.

While they appropriate the name and its associated goodwill, the original art/product, etc., gets sidelined, misrepresented, and misinterpreted.

This has been happening in many ways in this age.

Those who are doing so, are not proud of their culture and heritage. Had they been, they would have tried to popularise their own word. Why steal another's name and put on an act that it belongs to you?

What do you feel? Do share in the comments below.