News & Announcement
35 Years of Recognition, A Legacy of Language: Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas Celebrated at Ravangla
Namchi, August 20 (IPR): Pratibha Sangam Sahitya Samiti, Kewzing, celebrated ‘Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas’ commemorating 35 years of the recognition of Nepali language with great zeal and enthusiasm at the Community Hall, Ravangla, today.
Minister for Rural Development Department Mr Arun Upreti graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, whereas Chairman Land Revenue/Former MLA Mr TT Bhutia and Government Contractor/Social Activist Mr Tashi Gyalpo Bhutia were the Guests of Honour.
Present during were Area MLA Cum Patron Mr Rikshal Dorjee Bhutia, Chairperson Sikkim State Commission for Women Ms Tenny Doma Bhutia, Chairman Science and Technology Mr NT Bhutia, APS to HCM Namchi Mr Bishnu Prasad Sharma, OSD to Barfung MLA Mr Shiv Kumar Rai, OSD to Rangang-Yangang Ms Denkila Bhutia, SDM Ravangla Mr Saran Kalikotey, SDM HQ Mr Nim Pintso Bhutia, SDM Namchi Mr Wangyal Sherpa, CEO Education Mr GP Sharma alognwith officials from line departments, literary figures, teachers, students and public at large.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Mr Arun Upreti extended his warm greetings on the occasion and expressed his appreciation to the organising committee for commemorating this significant achievement, which he described as a historic milestone and a boon for Nepali-speaking people.
He recalled the invaluable contributions of former Chief Minister Lt Nar Bahadur Bhandari, former Member of Parliament (MP) Mrs Dil Kumari Bhandari, and other eminent personalities whose tireless dedication and commitment played a significant role in the recognition of Nepali as one of the languages included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India on 20th August 1992.
The Minister stated that the inclusion of Nepali in the Eighth Schedule remains an important chapter in the history and collective identity of the Nepali-speaking community. He remarked that language is not merely a means of communication but also an expression of emotions, identity, culture and heritage, shaped and preserved through generations by our ancestors.
He further emphasised that the preservation and promotion of local languages of the State are equally important for safeguarding its rich cultural heritage and ensuring that these linguistic traditions are carried forward to future generations. In this regard, he highlighted the initiatives undertaken by the State Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang to issue Government notifications in both Nepali and English, thereby making official information more accessible to Nepali-speaking citizens.
Urging the younger generation to learn, speak, read and write in Nepali, the Minister called upon the community to take collective responsibility for preserving and promoting the language. He encouraged the younger generation to explore creative avenues such as literature, films, music, songs and other forms of artistic expression to give the Nepali language a stronger presence in contemporary society.
Concluding his address, the Minister said that the survival of any language depends on its continued use and transmission from one generation to another. He called upon all to work together towards nurturing the local languages and creating greater opportunities for its use in future.
The Area MLA and Patron, Mr Rikshal Dorjee Bhutia, in his address, said that hosting the celebration in Barfung Constituency to honour eminent individuals and literary figures was a matter of great pride and privilege for the people of Barfung. He highlighted the importance of preserving Sikkim’s rich linguistic heritage and said that the State’s diverse local languages are an integral part of its cultural identity.
He expressed concern over the gradual decline of local languages, particularly as their use within homes is diminishing. He emphasised that the responsibility of preserving every mother tongue lies with the community itself and urged people to speak, teach and practise their respective languages in their daily lives so that they remain alive for future generations. He also noted that globalisation and changing lifestyles have posed challenges to the preservation of indigenous languages.
Acknowledging the efforts of the State Government in promoting and protecting Sikkim’s linguistic heritage, the MLA urged the younger generation to take pride in their mother tongue and promote it through literature and cultural activities and said that preserving a language is to protecting the history, identity and cultural heritage of a community.
APS to HCM Namchi, Mr Bishnu Prasad Sharma, in his welcome address, highlighted the objective of organising the celebration in Barfung Constituency to honour the contributions of eminent personalities towards the recognition and promotion of the Nepali language.
He informed that the organising committee would also felicitate former MP Ms Dil Kumari Bhandari at her residence in recognition of her invaluable contribution towards the inclusion of Nepali in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
During the occasion, the Pratibha Sangam Sahitya Samiti, Kewzing, presented tokens of appreciation to eight students from different districts who secured 100 marks in Nepali in the CBSE Examination for the academic year 2025–26.
They were namely:
1. Ms Ripsong Lepcha – PM SHRI Government Senior Secondary School, Singtam
2. Mr Rakesh Sharma – PM SHRI Government Senior Secondary School, Samdong
3. Mr Deepak Dungal – PM SHRI Tashi Namgyal Senior Secondary School, GaSuhana
4. Ms Suhana Pradhan – PM SHRI Bal Krishna Kasaju Senior Secondary School, Namthang
5. Ms Manisha Kharel – PM SHRI Bal Krishna Kasaju Senior Secondary School, Namthang
6. Ms Adrina Sewa – PM SHRI Chandralal Sharma Government Senior Secondary School, Chujachen
Similarly, the Samiti also presented a token of appreciation to Ms Kursangmit Lepcha of PM SHRI Yangyang Government Senior Secondary School and Mr Jorden Sherpa of PM SHRI Lingmoo-Kolthang Government Senior Secondary School, Lingmoo for securing 100 marks in Lepcha and Bhutia for the academic year 2025-26.
On the occassion, eminent individuals and personalities of the State were also felicitated by the Chief Guest with Bhasa Gaurav Samman to the following.
1. Former MP Mrs Dil Kumari Bhandari
2. Dr Gopal Dahal
3. Shri Joseph Lepcha
4. Dr Puspa Sharma
5. Ms PC Thomas Lepcha
6. Dr Namdol Bhutia
During the programme, a special panel discussion was moderated by journalist Mr NB Ghimirey, with Mr Neeraj Adhikari, Member ITS, Dr Pushpa Sharma and Dr Gopal Dahal as panellists. The discussion focused on the struggle for the inclusion of Nepali in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India, as well as the promotion and preservation of Nepali and other indigenous languages.
The occasion featured a vibrant array of poetry recitations, cultural performances and skits presented by students from various schools, along with traditional madal performances by Kala Kalam Sangam, Bermeok.
An ode dedicated to former MP Ms Dil Kumari Bhandari was also presented, honouring her invaluable contribution towards the recognition of the Nepali language.
A video showcasing the historic struggle for the inclusion of Nepali in the Eighth Schedule was also screened.
Textbook Officers representing various languages were also felicitated by the organising committee for their contribution towards the promotion and preservation of languages.
Minister for Rural Development Department Mr Arun Upreti graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, whereas Chairman Land Revenue/Former MLA Mr TT Bhutia and Government Contractor/Social Activist Mr Tashi Gyalpo Bhutia were the Guests of Honour.
Present during were Area MLA Cum Patron Mr Rikshal Dorjee Bhutia, Chairperson Sikkim State Commission for Women Ms Tenny Doma Bhutia, Chairman Science and Technology Mr NT Bhutia, APS to HCM Namchi Mr Bishnu Prasad Sharma, OSD to Barfung MLA Mr Shiv Kumar Rai, OSD to Rangang-Yangang Ms Denkila Bhutia, SDM Ravangla Mr Saran Kalikotey, SDM HQ Mr Nim Pintso Bhutia, SDM Namchi Mr Wangyal Sherpa, CEO Education Mr GP Sharma alognwith officials from line departments, literary figures, teachers, students and public at large.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Mr Arun Upreti extended his warm greetings on the occasion and expressed his appreciation to the organising committee for commemorating this significant achievement, which he described as a historic milestone and a boon for Nepali-speaking people.
He recalled the invaluable contributions of former Chief Minister Lt Nar Bahadur Bhandari, former Member of Parliament (MP) Mrs Dil Kumari Bhandari, and other eminent personalities whose tireless dedication and commitment played a significant role in the recognition of Nepali as one of the languages included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India on 20th August 1992.
The Minister stated that the inclusion of Nepali in the Eighth Schedule remains an important chapter in the history and collective identity of the Nepali-speaking community. He remarked that language is not merely a means of communication but also an expression of emotions, identity, culture and heritage, shaped and preserved through generations by our ancestors.
He further emphasised that the preservation and promotion of local languages of the State are equally important for safeguarding its rich cultural heritage and ensuring that these linguistic traditions are carried forward to future generations. In this regard, he highlighted the initiatives undertaken by the State Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang to issue Government notifications in both Nepali and English, thereby making official information more accessible to Nepali-speaking citizens.
Urging the younger generation to learn, speak, read and write in Nepali, the Minister called upon the community to take collective responsibility for preserving and promoting the language. He encouraged the younger generation to explore creative avenues such as literature, films, music, songs and other forms of artistic expression to give the Nepali language a stronger presence in contemporary society.
Concluding his address, the Minister said that the survival of any language depends on its continued use and transmission from one generation to another. He called upon all to work together towards nurturing the local languages and creating greater opportunities for its use in future.
The Area MLA and Patron, Mr Rikshal Dorjee Bhutia, in his address, said that hosting the celebration in Barfung Constituency to honour eminent individuals and literary figures was a matter of great pride and privilege for the people of Barfung. He highlighted the importance of preserving Sikkim’s rich linguistic heritage and said that the State’s diverse local languages are an integral part of its cultural identity.
He expressed concern over the gradual decline of local languages, particularly as their use within homes is diminishing. He emphasised that the responsibility of preserving every mother tongue lies with the community itself and urged people to speak, teach and practise their respective languages in their daily lives so that they remain alive for future generations. He also noted that globalisation and changing lifestyles have posed challenges to the preservation of indigenous languages.
Acknowledging the efforts of the State Government in promoting and protecting Sikkim’s linguistic heritage, the MLA urged the younger generation to take pride in their mother tongue and promote it through literature and cultural activities and said that preserving a language is to protecting the history, identity and cultural heritage of a community.
APS to HCM Namchi, Mr Bishnu Prasad Sharma, in his welcome address, highlighted the objective of organising the celebration in Barfung Constituency to honour the contributions of eminent personalities towards the recognition and promotion of the Nepali language.
He informed that the organising committee would also felicitate former MP Ms Dil Kumari Bhandari at her residence in recognition of her invaluable contribution towards the inclusion of Nepali in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
During the occasion, the Pratibha Sangam Sahitya Samiti, Kewzing, presented tokens of appreciation to eight students from different districts who secured 100 marks in Nepali in the CBSE Examination for the academic year 2025–26.
They were namely:
1. Ms Ripsong Lepcha – PM SHRI Government Senior Secondary School, Singtam
2. Mr Rakesh Sharma – PM SHRI Government Senior Secondary School, Samdong
3. Mr Deepak Dungal – PM SHRI Tashi Namgyal Senior Secondary School, GaSuhana
4. Ms Suhana Pradhan – PM SHRI Bal Krishna Kasaju Senior Secondary School, Namthang
5. Ms Manisha Kharel – PM SHRI Bal Krishna Kasaju Senior Secondary School, Namthang
6. Ms Adrina Sewa – PM SHRI Chandralal Sharma Government Senior Secondary School, Chujachen
Similarly, the Samiti also presented a token of appreciation to Ms Kursangmit Lepcha of PM SHRI Yangyang Government Senior Secondary School and Mr Jorden Sherpa of PM SHRI Lingmoo-Kolthang Government Senior Secondary School, Lingmoo for securing 100 marks in Lepcha and Bhutia for the academic year 2025-26.
On the occassion, eminent individuals and personalities of the State were also felicitated by the Chief Guest with Bhasa Gaurav Samman to the following.
1. Former MP Mrs Dil Kumari Bhandari
2. Dr Gopal Dahal
3. Shri Joseph Lepcha
4. Dr Puspa Sharma
5. Ms PC Thomas Lepcha
6. Dr Namdol Bhutia
During the programme, a special panel discussion was moderated by journalist Mr NB Ghimirey, with Mr Neeraj Adhikari, Member ITS, Dr Pushpa Sharma and Dr Gopal Dahal as panellists. The discussion focused on the struggle for the inclusion of Nepali in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India, as well as the promotion and preservation of Nepali and other indigenous languages.
The occasion featured a vibrant array of poetry recitations, cultural performances and skits presented by students from various schools, along with traditional madal performances by Kala Kalam Sangam, Bermeok.
An ode dedicated to former MP Ms Dil Kumari Bhandari was also presented, honouring her invaluable contribution towards the recognition of the Nepali language.
A video showcasing the historic struggle for the inclusion of Nepali in the Eighth Schedule was also screened.
Textbook Officers representing various languages were also felicitated by the organising committee for their contribution towards the promotion and preservation of languages.
