Espen Rikter-Svendsen, ambassador of Norway to Bangladesh, hosted a book launch event at his residence on Thursday for “A New Testament,” authored by Tone Bleie.
Bleie’s groundbreaking work delves into the economic, legal, and social history of Scandinavian missionaries and their profound influence on Bangladesh, East India, and Eastern Nepal.
Through meticulous research spanning 12/13 years and across three continents, Bleie sheds light on a long-ignored yet powerful link between Scandinavian missionaries and indigenous communities such as the Santals, Boro, and Bengalis.
During the event, Bleie discussed the challenges she faced, including funding constraints and access to archival materials.
She emphasized the importance of understanding historical contexts, particularly economic and legal factors, and highlighted the collaborative efforts with historians and commentators to gather insights.
The motivation behind Bleie’s work was to fill the gaps in historical narratives, particularly regarding the overlooked history of Scandinavian missionaries and indigenous communities.
She underscored the need for greater awareness about the Santal people and their cultural landscape, which has been insufficiently documented in mainstream history books.
Guest speakers at the event, including Sanjeeb Drong, Samar M Soren, and Professor Mesbah Kamal, commended Bleie for her outstanding contribution to historical scholarship.
Professor Mesbah Kamal suggested translating the book into Bengali to make it accessible to a wider audience.
“A New Testament” offers a captivating narrative that not only enriches our understanding of colonial legacies but also advocates for the recognition of marginalized voices throughout history.
Bleie’s commitment to inclusivity and historical accuracy has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the field of historical studies.