It is quite a task to learn a new language, let alone creating one. However, Rangadhar Mahapatra of Bhubaneswar has defied all odds by creating world’s second artificial language with a script. Having authored books like ‘Nila Jharana’ and ‘Padma’, this was his most challenging endeavour. In a freewheeling chat with Chaitali Shome of Orissa Post, he threw light on his works
What inspired you to create a new language?
In India, there are numerous languages and around 50 scripts. Thirty years back, I thought of creating a script which will be an amalgamation of various scripts and easy to use and remember. Therefore, I created NIEL (New Indian Easy Language) in 2003.
Who critiqued your work?
Late linguist Khageswar Mahapatra saw my work and told me that Dr. L L Zamenhof, a Polish-Jewish ophthalmologist, had created the world’s first artificial language Espiranto in 1903 which was accepted by UNICEF. The language was an amalgamation of French, German, Spanish, English and Italian. The script acted as a link to all modern languages. He stated that my language was the world’s second artificial language after Espiranto.
Where did you send your work for official recognition?
I sent my book on the language to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as well as to various universities across the globe. I had also sent the book to the Nobel institute for recognition.
How challenging was it to create a new script?
I am a businessman by profession. However, my love for languages made me pursue my research work for ten hours daily. The book took nearly eight years (1995-2003) for completion. The NIEL alphabet has 21 letters with five vowels and sixteen consonants.
What accolades have you received until now?
I have been feted by major institutes in Odisha. I received a doctorate degree from American Biographic Institute in 2009. Besides, I was congratulated by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and many other dignitaries.
What are your future plans?
I want the state government or any NGO to champion my cause of promoting NIEL script. I would like to teach this language in various universities in the future. I have made a new script for communities who don’t have a script of their own. NIEL is an amalgamation of English, Bengali, Hindi and Koshali among others. Talks indicate that the language would soon be incorporated in the curriculum of Sambalpur University and Cultural University at Madanpur. Many linguists are also planning to open a special committee for the script and language.
EXPERTS SPEAK
Rangadhar Mahapatra’s efforts in creating the NIEL script are exemplary. The language is very intuitive and easy to learn.
Bijaylaxmi Mohanty linguist
The exact number of scripts in the state has not been determined yet. NIEL is the first constructed language of the state as well as country. It is an watershed moment for linguists of the state.
Debi Prasanna Patnaik linguist
