Patna: Chetna Samiti, an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Mithila's cultural legacy, has initiated efforts to educate the youth about the region's rich traditions. In an interview with STOI's B K Mishra, its president Vivekanand Jha discussed the growing cultural disconnect and measures to revive Mithila's heritage.
Cultural Disconnect Among Youth
Jha acknowledged that many people, especially youth living away from their native places for studies or employment, are gravitating towards cosmopolitan culture, neglecting their own roots. He noted that rapid development in villages is accelerating this trend, which he described as worrisome.
Plans to Engage the Younger Generation
The organization plans to emphasize propagating Mithila's cultural heritage among the youth so that future generations appreciate past achievements. Initiatives include promoting folk songs and folk art, and encouraging young artists from the region.
Upcoming Activities
Chetna Samiti has scheduled a month-long "Jagran Yatra" from May 15 to June 14 at the district level to awaken the people of Mithila and remind them of their rich culture, including traditional Maithili songs for occasions like 'Mudan', 'Yagyopavit', 'Chumaon', marriages, and festivals. A monthly 'Sangeet Sandhya' program will also be organized.
Training in traditional songs, dance, drama, and painting will be provided to youth and women at the newly constructed Samiti building in Rajendra Nagar, Patna. Regular exhibitions of Mithila artifacts are being held across the state to familiarize people with folk art.
Maithili-Speaking Population
Although the Maithili-speaking population in Bihar is estimated to be over three crore, the 2011 census recorded only 1.09 crore, as many people record Hindi as their mother tongue instead of Maithili. The Samiti will appeal to Maithili speakers to correctly record their mother tongue in the upcoming national census.
