In Totopara, a quaint village situated on the Bhutan border within West Bengal’s Alipurduar district, resides the Toto tribe, one of India’s oldest and most endangered indigenous communities. The tribe, characterized by its small population and secluded way of life, has historically spoken its own language without a written script, placing the language in jeopardy.
A pivotal shift occurred several years ago when a member of the Toto community, Dhaniram Toto, devised a dedicated alphabet for the Toto language. This groundbreaking effort led to Dhaniram Toto being honored with the prestigious Padma Shri by the Government of India for his role in safeguarding the tribe’s linguistic legacy.
Interestingly, the impetus for this initiative stemmed from a song by renowned Bangladeshi vocalist Runa Laila. Dhaniram Toto recounted the moment he was listening to the radio and heard Runa Laila’s melodious rendition of “Tumi Ami Likhi Praner Bornomala” (“You and I write the alphabet of our hearts”). This poignant lyric sparked a realization in him, prompting the question of why the Toto language should not have its own alphabet, akin to other languages.
Following years of meticulous research and dedication, Dhaniram Toto successfully developed a distinctive writing system for the Toto language, now recognized as the “Toto script” or “Toto Alphabet.” Another commendable effort to preserve the language was undertaken by Bhakta Toto, who commenced documenting the endangered language using the Bengali script. His endeavors encompass compiling Toto vocabulary, crafting narratives, and advocating for the language’s incorporation in early education programs within the community.
Despite these proactive measures, the Toto community, nestled along the Torsa River in Alipurduar, faces persistent challenges in conserving its linguistic heritage. Factors such as modern educational paradigms, external cultural influences, and the community’s modest populace pose ongoing threats to the language’s survival. Nevertheless, bolstered by fresh initiatives and the active participation of younger generations, the Toto people are steadfastly endeavoring to uphold and nurture their language and cultural legacy.
