In a Global Village: Embracing Indigenous Literature in the Digital Era

The United Nations recognizes approximately 500 million individuals worldwide as 'Indigenous' peoples. Defined by the Oxford dictionary as those originating from a specific locale and having inhabited it long before others, the term reflects a deep-rooted connection to a place. Yet, if we adhere to this definition, we all, in essence, hold indigenous status. In Sri Lanka, for instance, many perceive Sinhala as the indigenous language, thus labeling its literature as 'Deshiya Sahitya'. However, I propose that our Deshiya Sahitya should transcend borders and become part of Vishva Sahitya, embracing our shared identity as members of the human species, Homo sapiens.

Amidst the plethora of identities constructed by humanity—be it ethnicity, nationality, race, religion, caste, tribe, or language—our fundamental identity as human beings remains paramount. While taking pride in our Deshiya Sahitya, crafted in our mother tongues, sharing it globally amplifies that pride. The advent of social media has ushered us closer to genuine freedom of expression. In reflecting on historical precedents, one might consider the mirror wall at Sigiriya, the ancient rock fortress in Sri Lanka, as an early form of social media where poets adorned its surfaces with verse, rivaling even contemporary Haiku in their eloquence.

The concept of Open Source literature harks back to humanity's earliest narratives, free from the constraints of copyright or ownership. From folk tales to sacred texts, storytelling was a communal endeavor. While concerns over future illiteracy loom, the emergence of Cyberliteracy offers a promising alternative. In cyberspace, language barriers diminish with the aid of machine translation, rendering literacy language-independent.

Today, our global village transcends physical boundaries, encompassing the virtual expanse of cyberspace. In this context, indigenous literature knows no bounds, resonating everywhere across Mother Earth.

Unveiling the Digital Frontier: Pioneering South Asian Literature in Cyberspace

In the expansive realm of cyberspace, South Asian languages grapple with the absence of an indigenous term equivalent to this digital domain. Yet, within the rich tapestry of our linguistic heritage, the term 'Vishva' emerges as a beacon of universality, echoing the profound wisdom of the Rig Veda.

From the era of Homo aestheticus to the present epoch of Homo Digitalis, our journey has been marked by a relentless march towards digitalization. Progressing from orality to secondary orality, we now navigate the realms of speech-to-text and audiobooks. Literacy, in its contemporary guise, embodies cyberliteracy—a fusion of traditional literacy and digital prowess.

Over the past five decades, India has emerged as a vanguard in the realm of e-books, epitomized by initiatives like the Public Library of India and the National Digital Library of India, boasting a staggering array of resources. The advent of audiobooks, or a-books, further enriches this digital landscape, seamlessly integrating literature into the fabric of daily life.

As custodians of culture and purveyors of thought, poets, writers, and journalists bear a solemn duty to foster unity among humanity, starting with South Asia. Proposals for a 'South Asian Sahithya Academy' and a 'Comparative Literature Association of South Asia' underscore the imperative of transcending linguistic and national boundaries to elevate South Asian literature onto the global stage.

Literature, akin to art, music, and dance, serves as a conduit for understanding, acceptance, and harmony. To realize this vision of unity, literature must transcend physical and ideological barriers, embracing all peoples. Initiatives such as anthologies, literary reviews, conferences, and online discussions pave the path towards a shared literary heritage, fostering dialogue and exchange.

Before extending our embrace to the wider world, let us embark on this journey within South Asia, celebrating the diversity of our literary traditions. By harnessing the power of digital platforms, through e-books and open access publications, we can amplify the voices of South Asian literature, resonating across continents and cultures.

Embracing Technology for a True Global Village

The concept of a Global Village beckons us to transcend borders and unite as one human family. However, mere rhetoric is insufficient—we must leverage the latest technology to actualize this vision. As purportedly the most intelligent beings on Earth, we possess the means to utilize communication tools and media platforms to share our thoughts, visions, and traditions with unprecedented reach and clarity.

In envisioning a real village, reminiscent of times past, let us dismantle the barricades that isolate us and inhibit genuine connection. Imagine a community where every home is open, devoid of walls or fences, where doors remain unlocked, and transparency reigns supreme. In such a setting, there is no need for secrecy or division.

By transcending notions of ethnicity, identity, and indigenousness, we pave the way for a truly universal language and literature—a Vishva Bhasha and a Vishva Sahitya—for the entire human family. Let us embrace technology not as a mere tool, but as a catalyst for fostering genuine unity and understanding among all peoples.

In conclusion, as we journey towards realizing the dream of a Global Village, let us not merely speak of unity, but actively strive to achieve it through the judicious use of technology. By leveraging communication tools and media platforms, we can break down the barriers that divide us and foster genuine connection and understanding among all members of the human family. Let us envision a world where transparency and inclusivity reign, where cultural differences are celebrated, and where a universal language of compassion and empathy prevails. Together, let us embark on this journey towards a brighter future—a future where the boundaries of ethnicity, identity, and indigenousness dissolve in the pursuit of shared humanity.