On 27th August, 2020 Sushil Kumar Rabha and I had a brief conversation over telephone.We could not meet face to face due to the pandemic situation prevailing for COVID-19. So we tried to focus our conversation on issues concerning the literature and culture of Rabha indigenous tribe and its future prospects. I asked him a few questions not only about his own work but also about the whole arena of Rabha community. Mr. Rabha was an agreeable host and he answered my questions very elaborately.
Madhabi ঃ  Mr. Rabha you were born in the Rabha or Koch indigenous community. You have been a respectable representative who is trying to preserve the folk literature and culture of this community. Will you kindly explain about the anthropological identity of Rabha indigenous tribe and its cultural heritage?
Sushil Kumar Rabha: You have asked an important question. At first I want to clarify that Koch or Rabha tribe descended from Mongolian race. The identity Koch has been used for many ages and is the primitive name of this community. But the title Rabha is bestowed and moreover used as a surname. Once it came as a title but gradually it superseded its original identity and the community was widely known by its present name of Rabha. At present Rabha tribe can be seen in Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri and Coochbihar districts of North Bengal. A large part of this community lives in Assam and Meghalaya, too. The tribe has a distinct language and its name is Kocha-Krou. The tribe carries its identity through its language culture.
Madhabi ঃ Rabha community has a matriarchal social system. Yet here we have observed a clear picture of women's disempowerment and male oppression. Why is it?
Sushil ঃ  Yes. It is quite correct. Though the social system in Rabha community is based on matriarchy, the social norms are regulated by the male. Naturally, women are dominated by men. So it is clear that only in the name it is matriarchy but in practice patriarchy controls everything. But there is one thing all the rituals and customs which they follow in social life are organized by maintaining the scriptures and laws of matriarchy.
Madhabi ঃ  It is seen that a few changes have taken place in the life and financial status of women after Women's Empowerment. Is there any such change seen in the life of Rabha women?
Sushil ঃ Yes. Now-a-days, a few Rabha women got educated and are working in different government and government-undertaking sectors. This has helped them to become financially independent.
Madhabi ঃ Technology has brought a sea-change in our life. What kind of impact has the technology brought in the oral culture of Rabha community?
Sushil ঃ This is a very important question. The impact of technology has not only distorted the oral expressions of our culture, but also abolished many elements of oral culture too. Young generation has begun neglecting their culture and imitating and adopting Western culture; they have become attracted to popular filmy and local pop songs. We do not know what will be the consequence of this popular cultural trend on our oral culture. But we are trying to revive and restore our own culture through different means.
Madhabi ঃ  Is there any script of Rabha community?
Sushil ঃ No. There is no script of Rabha community. We are trying to develop our own script. But we do not know how much time it will take to have a permanent Rabha script. So far the writings are concerned, Assamese, Bangla, and English scripts have been used. A few writings are available in Devnagri script too. But I think we need our own script.
Madhabi ঃ Do we witness any political consciousness among the young generation of Rabha community?
Sushil ঃ Yes. Rabha Unnoyon Parisad (Rabha Development Council) has been established to spread the linguistic and cultural heritage of the community. This is not a government- undertaking council; the local representatives have established it. We address our problems and complaints to the government through this council too. A social and political awareness has also increased among youths through the activities of this council. Besides, spread of education has empowered the Rabha people. So, we can see a ray of hope.
Madhabi ঃ How many people do speak Rabha language?
Sushil ঃ Exact number of the native speakers cannot be ascertained. In the 2011 census report, the total population of  Rabha community  members of northern part of West Bengal was 27,820. The entire population has been divided into two regions: cultivable region and forest region. Rabha language is spoken in the forest region in particular. Approximately thirty percent population speaks Rabha language.
Madhabi ঃ Is this language a medium of education in schools?
Sushil ঃ  No. This language is not taught in any school in West Bengal. But we have a demand to the government of West Bengal that arrangement should be made so that children of the Rabha community can have their mother tongue as the medium of education in primary standard. In the state of Assam, this language is being used as the medium of education in more than seventy schools. It is heard that the government will introduce it in many other schools too. But nothing like this has happened in West Bengal. The reason is, although they have their own mother tongue, the medium of education for the student of Rabha community is Bangla. As a consequence, it is quite difficult for them to correctly speak and read Bangla; neither do they feel comfortable in it. They become, therefore, compelled to leave the school early age. So, I think in both cultivable and forest regions, native language of Rabha people has to be introduced as the medium of instruction.
Madhabi ঃ Has it led to create the trend of devaluation of their language and culture?
Sushil ঃ  Yes. As I mentioned earlier, modern technology has affected the existing oral culture tremendously.
Madhabi ঃ If you kindly sing a song in Rabha language, it will be convenient for us to know this language and its cultural expression.
Sushil ঃ  (Laughter initially). Right, let me recite one of my poems to you. The cock crows, the dawn appears, Wake up, wake up, the night disappears.
Madhabi ঃ Thank you Mr. Sushil Kumar Rabha from Janajati Darpan for your valuable commentary on Rabha community and their culture. The interview has come to an end. Thank you.