Archive · 6 Sep 2025
West Bengal Universities Urged to Embrace Folklore Studies
In West Bengal, many people are worried that the state's rich folk traditions, like songs and stories, are not being studied in schools and universities.
The Department of Folklore at Kalyani University wants to change this.
They are asking the government to add folklore to the school curriculum, as other countries and some Indian states have already done.
They think this is important to save these traditions and to create jobs for people who study them.
Folklore is the study of traditions, myths, and songs, and they believe it’s important to learn about it.
If this doesn't happen, they fear these traditions will be forgotten, like old stories fading away.
Kalyani University's Folklore Department is pushing for the integration of Folklore and Tribal Studies in West Bengal's education system.
The proposal includes introducing folklore at all levels of education, from secondary school to doctoral programs.
The initiative aims to preserve cultural heritage, create job opportunities, and promote understanding of diverse communities.
West Bengal lags behind many countries and other Indian states in formally studying folklore.
The proposal is currently pending with state education authorities.
- Who
- Kalyani University, students, and faculty.
- What
- Are advocating for the introduction of folklore studies in West Bengal education.
- When
- Ongoing proposal.
- Where
- West Bengal, India.
- Why
- To preserve cultural heritage and create academic and career opportunities.
- University with Dedicated Department
- Kalyani University
- Previous Folklore Studies
- Calcutta University (discontinued)
- Countries with Folklore Studies
- USA, Canada, Japan, Germany, China, Finland, England, Mexico, Estonia, Australia, Bangladesh, Nepal, and India.
- Kalyani University's Objective
- Integrate folklore and tribal studies into formal education.
- Kalyani University's Plan
- Introduce folklore at school, college, and university levels.