Shabdakalpa: Preserving the Essence of বাংলা
Shabdakalpa, an ambitious project aiming to create the first electronic Bengali evolutionary dictionary, is gaining momentum with support from cultural and industrialists. This initiative, set to launch by 2028, will preserve Bengali’s rich linguistic heritage for future generations.
It’s hard to ignore the relentless ticking of time. In three short years, we’ll be marking the centenary of the first complete edition of the Oxford English Dictionary, a monumental moment for linguists and language enthusiasts alike. But for the architects of Shabdakalpa, the ambitious project to create the first electronic Bengali evolutionary dictionary, the clock is ticking even faster. Aiming for the 2028 deadline, specifically targeting the 21st of February—International Mother Language Day—this venture is gradually taking shape, one meticulous step at a time.
The journey of Shabdakalpa is no small feat. It’s a project that involves piecing together the vast ocean of Bengali words, with the goal of creating a comprehensive, living record of the language. Spearheaded by the School of Cultural Texts and Records at Jadavpur University, this venture has received substantial support from various quarters. Recently, a well-known family of industrialists from Bengal threw their weight behind the project, providing a much-needed oxygen boost to this noble cause.
Dipankar Chattopadhyay, the founder of the Vishweshwar Chattopadhyay Trust (named after his grandfather), alongside trustees Rudra Chattopadhyay and Mitakshara Kumari, recently visited Jadavpur University to see the progress of Shabdakalpa. With a generous contribution for the next three years, they’re lending a crucial hand to propel the project forward. Rudra Chattopadhyay, the son of Dipankar, remarked, “Bengali is my mother tongue! I think it’s incredibly important to gather all printed words of Bengali in one place. This is the way to preserve it for future generations.”
The project’s guiding light, Professor Sukanta Chowdhury, an emeritus professor at Jadavpur University, believes the Trust’s support will provide the necessary momentum to complete the monumental task ahead. “The support from both the Jadavpur University Alumni Global Foundation and the Vishweshwar Chattopadhyay Trust is a great boon to us. While we’ve received other help, we still need a bit more to get it across the finish line,” he shared.
For those who may not be aware, Shabdakalpa isn’t just a digital dictionary; it’s a groundbreaking initiative in the world of linguistics. Already, cutting-edge software has been developed to create the first electronic evolutionary dictionary in any non-Latin script, with a focus on Bengali. The web-based platform that will house the dictionary is set to be launched in the coming year, and several additional software tools are in the pipeline.
Rudra, who previously sponsored the Bengali Library Series by Columbia University Press—a project under the supervision of renowned scholar Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak—has long been dedicated to preserving Bengali’s literary treasures. “We want to remain connected to these efforts, ensuring that Bengali remains a language that thrives, not just in the present, but for generations to come,” he said.
The Vishweshwar Chattopadhyay Trust, with its roots deeply embedded in Bengali culture, now has the opportunity to play a pivotal role in safeguarding Bengali’s cultural and linguistic legacy through Shabdakalpa. The Trust’s founder, Dipankar Chattopadhyay, expressed his pride in the project, saying, “Through Shabdakalpa, we have the chance to contribute to preserving Bengali’s cultural heritage and its living tradition.”
With every click, every update, Shabdakalpa inches closer to its goal. As technology weaves its magic into this monumental task, we can’t help but feel the sense of urgency. Bengali, a language steeped in history, art, and literature, is no longer just a spoken medium; it’s becoming a digital marvel, poised to stand tall alongside the world’s other great languages.
In an age where languages are rapidly evolving—or, dare we say, decaying—Shabdakalpa is the lifeline that will ensure Bengali doesn’t just survive but flourishes. It’s not just about words; it’s about preserving an identity, a culture, a way of life. So, as we look ahead to 2028, let’s raise a cup of Darjeeling Tea and wish for Shabdakalpa’s continued success. After all, as they say, a language is the soul of a culture—and this one is very much alive and kicking.
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