Gangtok, August 20 (IPR): Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang-Golay , along with Madam Krishna Rai, graced the 33rd Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas celebration, organised by the Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Sikkim, at Manan Kendra, today.
The Chief Minister in his address, conveyed his greetings to all Nepali-speaking individuals around the world on the occasion of the 33rd Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas. He emphasised that the survival of a community and its identity is intricately linked to the preservation of its language. He noted, “It is often said that a community faces extinction if its language vanishes entirely. Scholars rightly assert that language and culture form the bedrock of any caste or community, and it is universally acknowledged that they are essential for existence.”
He highlighted the rich and melodious nature of the Nepali language, which has endured significant struggles to achieve constitutional recognition. He acknowledged the substantial contributions of Nepali-speaking individuals from across India in the Indian freedom movement. The initial demand for recognition of the Nepali language, put forth by the late Mr Anand Singh Thapa in 1956, was ultimately fulfilled by the Bharatiya Nepali Rashtriya Parishad, led by the late Mr Nar Bahadur Bhandari, he informed.
The Chief Minister remarked that the final phase of this struggle, championed by late Mr Nar Bahadur Bhandari, would not have reached a successful conclusion without the sincere support of the then Lok Sabha MP from Sikkim, Mrs Dil Kumari Bhandari. He urged everyone to recognise and appreciate the invaluable contributions of both Mr Nar Bahadur Bhandari and Mrs Dil Kumari Bhandari. Additionally, the Chief Minister paid tribute to all those who contributed in Bhasa Andolan directly or indirectly.
Chief Minister Tamang expressed his disappointment regarding the Nepali language’s stagnation in growth and development following its Constitutional recognition, which was achieved through the activism of the then state government under Mr Nar Bahadur Bhandari.
Moreover, he emphasised the need to advance both literature and language, advocating for writing that appeals to global audiences to enhance the richness of literary heritage. He urged for the translation of our literary works to ensure their visibility in the international arena, stating, “We must share our cultural narratives with the world, ensuring our books find their way into renowned libraries.” Reflecting on the past, he noted that literary works often faced premature cessation if authors did not align with the government’s views. However, he assured that the current government is supportive and accessible to all.
The Chief Minister also pointed out various initiatives undertaken by the state government to promote language, literature, and culture. He noted that upon assuming office, the government declared August 20th as Bhasa Manyata Diwas, a public holiday, and achieved a significant milestone by eliminating the immigrant label previously assigned to Sikkimese Nepalis. He expressed gratitude to the Central Government and the Supreme Court of India for this development.
Addressing the concerns raised, the Chief Minister announced that official notifications will now be published in Nepali along with English, and government advertisements will also be published in Nepali. He encouraged the use of Nepali for office noting and acknowledged the inclusion of the Nepali language in the B.Ed programme. Additionally, he announced a grant of 10 lakh rupees to support the functioning of the Nepali Sahitya Parishad.
Additionally, he mentioned the government’s support for scholars and writers through initiatives like the Apatan Fellowship and sponsored publications.
In his welcome address Mr Hari Dhungel, President, Nepali Sahitya Parishad extended his gratitude to the attendees for their presence. He also paid tribute to former Chief Minister, Late Mr Nar Bahadur Bhandari, acknowledging his efforts in preserving the Nepali language and culture. Additionally, he expressed his deep appreciation to former Member of Parliament, Mrs Dil Kumari Bhandari, for her unwavering dedication and tireless efforts in securing the inclusion of the Nepali language in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
The president expressed gratitude to the state government for its support to the committee and reaffirmed the Parishad’s commitment to advancing the Chief Minister’s initiative, “Sunaulo ani Samriddha Sikkim.” He also urged for signboards to be written in Nepali and encouraged everyone to wear traditional attire once a week to help preserve and promote the culture.
Dr Krishna Sapkota, Khangchendzonga State University, in his address on the status of the Nepali language following its constitutional recognition, delved into the language’s history, the challenges faced during its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, and paid tribute to those who contributed to its recognition. He also discussed the achievements of the Nepali language and discussed strategies for elevating the language to global prominence.
Additionally, he suggested that office noting could also be written in Nepali, and official notifications could also be issued in Nepali language.
On the occasion, the committee also felicitated Mr Keshav Dahal, a student from Sikkim Central University, and honored him with the ‘Prem Lall Smriti Shikshak Puraskar’ for achieving the highest score in the Nepali subject during his Master’s degree.
Following that, musician Mr Basant Chettri was honored with the Kanchenjunga Mitrasen Smriti Award by the Chief Minister for his contributions to the Nepali musical community. An introductory video was presented to highlight the achievements of Mr Chettri.
The awardee briefly narrated his musical journey and expressed gratitude to the committee for the recognition.
Additionally, the Chief Minister launched various books at the event and unveiled the upcoming poster for the national-level Kavi Sammelan, to be presented by Dainik Jagaran.
The programme also had the presence of Mr M N Sherpa, Speaker, SLA, Cabinet Ministers, Mr Indra Hang Subba, MP, Lok Sabha, MLA cum Advisors, Former Ministers and MLA , Mr Sanu Lama, Padmashree Awardee, Zilla Adhakshya Gangtok District, Mayor, GMC, Deputy Mayor, GMC, Chairpersons, Councillors, Panchayats, Government officials, members of Nepali Sahitya Parishad, President, Sikkim Akademi, representatives from different community organisations, invitees from Darjeeling, professors, teachers and students.
The programme also featured musical performances by various artists.
The programme concluded with the words of thanks proposed by Mr Bhim Rawat, Literature Secretary, Nepali Sahitya Parishad.
DIO Gangtok
