News & Announcement
35th Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas Celebrated in Gangtok, Highlighting Language and Literature
Gangtok, August 20 (IPR): The 35th Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas and Kanchenjunga Agam Smriti Puraskar Alankaran Samaroh was organised by the Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Sikkim, at NESAP Bhawan, Gangtok, today.
The programme was attended by former President, Sikkim Academy, Mr S R Subba, as the Chief Guest and litterateur from Assam, Mr K B Nepali, as the Distinguished Guest. Also present were President, Sikkim Chapter, International Nepali Sahitya Samaj, Mr Rudra Poudyal, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Mr S D Dhakal, critic and writer, Mr Pemba Tamang, officials from the State Government, writers, literary personalities, scholars and language enthusiasts, executive members of the Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Sikkim, along with other invitees and dignitaries.
A litterateur from Assam, Mr K B Nepali, was honoured with the Kanchenjunga Agam Smriti Puraskar in recognition of his contribution to Nepali literature, marking a special moment in the celebration of the 35th Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas.
Speaking on the occasion, former President, Sikkim Academy, Mr S R Subba, expressed his gratitude for being invited to the programme and said that the recognition of the Nepali language was the result of collective efforts. He also acknowledged the contribution of those who worked for the cause in different capacities.
He said that August 20 was significant not only because the Nepali language received constitutional recognition but also because it marked an important milestone for the community. He stressed that the recognition should not be seen as the end of the journey but as the beginning of greater efforts to preserve and develop the language.
Speaking about the younger generation, Mr S R Subba said that the present generation had a responsibility to guide young people in the right direction. He urged elders to share their knowledge and experience and build a strong foundation for future generations.
He stressed that language, literature, culture, traditions and social values must be preserved and passed on to younger generations. He said that language was closely linked to identity and urged people to understand its importance and make efforts to preserve it.
Mr S R Subba also expressed concern over the declining use of the mother tongue among children and emphasised that language learning begins at home. He urged families to ensure that children hear and use their mother tongue from an early age.
He called for greater efforts to preserve traditional vocabulary and expressions, saying that indigenous words and expressions should continue to be used and passed on to younger generations.
Referring to the present age of Artificial Intelligence, Mr S R Subba said that people today had greater access to information than ever before. He said that the challenge was now to use the knowledge and information available in a meaningful and constructive manner.
He also appreciated the State Government’s efforts to promote Nepali in official communication and through initiatives such as the observance of a traditional day every Thursday. He called for continued efforts to strengthen the use of the language in public life.
Concluding his address, Mr S R Subba stressed that preserving language and culture was essential to preserving identity. He urged the community to remain united and conscious of its linguistic and cultural roots.
Speaking on the occasion, litterateur from Assam, Mr K B Nepali, expressed gratitude to the Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Sikkim, for conferring the Kanchenjunga Agam Smriti Puraskar on him and said that the recognition was deeply meaningful to him.
Referring to Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas, Mr K B Nepali said that August 20 commemorated the inclusion of Nepali in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India in 1992 and held special significance. He stressed that the day should not only be celebrated but should also remind people of their responsibility to preserve and strengthen the language.
He emphasised the importance of unity among Nepali-speaking people and called for collective efforts to protect the language, literature, culture and traditions.
Recalling the efforts for constitutional recognition, Mr K B Nepali acknowledged the contributions of leaders and language activists. He said that language was an important part of a community’s identity and heritage and encouraged people from different communities to learn languages as a means of building greater understanding and connection.
Mr K B Nepali also spoke about the historical development of the language and referred to the views of scholars on the subject. He described August 20 as a day of great significance and called for renewed efforts towards the development and enrichment of the language.
He encouraged people to learn other languages as well, saying that languages connect people and broaden knowledge. He also stressed the responsibility of writers, saying that literature should guide society and contribute positively to humanity.
He concluded by calling for collective efforts to preserve the language, encourage younger generations to learn it and strengthen its literary and cultural heritage.
Speaking on the occasion, President, Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Sikkim, Mr Hari Dhungel, acknowledged the presence of writers, language enthusiasts, officials and awardees. He highlighted the contribution of Mr K B Nepali to language and literature and congratulated him on receiving the Kanchenjunga Agam Smriti Puraskar.
Mr Hari Dhungel said that the Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Sikkim, was committed to the development, promotion, preservation and enrichment of Nepali language and literature, while also working to safeguard local languages and the region’s linguistic diversity.
He also acknowledged the encouragement received from literary personalities and well-wishers from the State and neighbouring states. He said that the support from writers, artists, scholars, language enthusiasts and the wider public demonstrated the importance of the work being carried out by the Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Sikkim, in promoting Nepali language and literature.
He expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang for his continued support and encouragement towards the preservation and promotion of language and literature. He said that such support provided encouragement to the Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Sikkim, in carrying forward its literary and cultural activities.
He concluded by expressing hope for continued support from the State Government and the literary community in strengthening the Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Sikkim, and carrying forward its work for Nepali language, literature and culture.
Executive Member, NESAP, Ms Usha Sharma, delivered an address on ‘Constitutional Recognition of Nepali Language and the Current Situation’. She highlighted the significance of constitutional recognition and said that continued efforts were needed to promote and strengthen the language in contemporary society.
Ms Usha Sharma emphasised that constitutional recognition had provided an important foundation for the development of the language. She stressed the need to encourage younger generations to learn and use the language and underlined the collective responsibility of families, writers, institutions and the wider community in preserving its literary and cultural richness.
Earlier, the programme commenced with a welcome address delivered by General Secretary, Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Sikkim, Mr Bhim Rawat.
As part of the programme, Miss Rachana Rai was presented with the Prem Lall Smriti Shaikshik Puraskar for securing the highest marks in Nepali in the final semester examination of Sikkim University for the year 2025.
The programme also featured the launch and introduction of literary works, along with other literary activities, followed by the distribution of certificates to students who participated in various competitions organised during the 212th Bhanu Jayanti celebrations.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Executive Member, NESAP, Mr D R Giri.
The programme was attended by former President, Sikkim Academy, Mr S R Subba, as the Chief Guest and litterateur from Assam, Mr K B Nepali, as the Distinguished Guest. Also present were President, Sikkim Chapter, International Nepali Sahitya Samaj, Mr Rudra Poudyal, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Mr S D Dhakal, critic and writer, Mr Pemba Tamang, officials from the State Government, writers, literary personalities, scholars and language enthusiasts, executive members of the Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Sikkim, along with other invitees and dignitaries.
A litterateur from Assam, Mr K B Nepali, was honoured with the Kanchenjunga Agam Smriti Puraskar in recognition of his contribution to Nepali literature, marking a special moment in the celebration of the 35th Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas.
Speaking on the occasion, former President, Sikkim Academy, Mr S R Subba, expressed his gratitude for being invited to the programme and said that the recognition of the Nepali language was the result of collective efforts. He also acknowledged the contribution of those who worked for the cause in different capacities.
He said that August 20 was significant not only because the Nepali language received constitutional recognition but also because it marked an important milestone for the community. He stressed that the recognition should not be seen as the end of the journey but as the beginning of greater efforts to preserve and develop the language.
Speaking about the younger generation, Mr S R Subba said that the present generation had a responsibility to guide young people in the right direction. He urged elders to share their knowledge and experience and build a strong foundation for future generations.
He stressed that language, literature, culture, traditions and social values must be preserved and passed on to younger generations. He said that language was closely linked to identity and urged people to understand its importance and make efforts to preserve it.
Mr S R Subba also expressed concern over the declining use of the mother tongue among children and emphasised that language learning begins at home. He urged families to ensure that children hear and use their mother tongue from an early age.
He called for greater efforts to preserve traditional vocabulary and expressions, saying that indigenous words and expressions should continue to be used and passed on to younger generations.
Referring to the present age of Artificial Intelligence, Mr S R Subba said that people today had greater access to information than ever before. He said that the challenge was now to use the knowledge and information available in a meaningful and constructive manner.
He also appreciated the State Government’s efforts to promote Nepali in official communication and through initiatives such as the observance of a traditional day every Thursday. He called for continued efforts to strengthen the use of the language in public life.
Concluding his address, Mr S R Subba stressed that preserving language and culture was essential to preserving identity. He urged the community to remain united and conscious of its linguistic and cultural roots.
Speaking on the occasion, litterateur from Assam, Mr K B Nepali, expressed gratitude to the Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Sikkim, for conferring the Kanchenjunga Agam Smriti Puraskar on him and said that the recognition was deeply meaningful to him.
Referring to Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas, Mr K B Nepali said that August 20 commemorated the inclusion of Nepali in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India in 1992 and held special significance. He stressed that the day should not only be celebrated but should also remind people of their responsibility to preserve and strengthen the language.
He emphasised the importance of unity among Nepali-speaking people and called for collective efforts to protect the language, literature, culture and traditions.
Recalling the efforts for constitutional recognition, Mr K B Nepali acknowledged the contributions of leaders and language activists. He said that language was an important part of a community’s identity and heritage and encouraged people from different communities to learn languages as a means of building greater understanding and connection.
Mr K B Nepali also spoke about the historical development of the language and referred to the views of scholars on the subject. He described August 20 as a day of great significance and called for renewed efforts towards the development and enrichment of the language.
He encouraged people to learn other languages as well, saying that languages connect people and broaden knowledge. He also stressed the responsibility of writers, saying that literature should guide society and contribute positively to humanity.
He concluded by calling for collective efforts to preserve the language, encourage younger generations to learn it and strengthen its literary and cultural heritage.
Speaking on the occasion, President, Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Sikkim, Mr Hari Dhungel, acknowledged the presence of writers, language enthusiasts, officials and awardees. He highlighted the contribution of Mr K B Nepali to language and literature and congratulated him on receiving the Kanchenjunga Agam Smriti Puraskar.
Mr Hari Dhungel said that the Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Sikkim, was committed to the development, promotion, preservation and enrichment of Nepali language and literature, while also working to safeguard local languages and the region’s linguistic diversity.
He also acknowledged the encouragement received from literary personalities and well-wishers from the State and neighbouring states. He said that the support from writers, artists, scholars, language enthusiasts and the wider public demonstrated the importance of the work being carried out by the Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Sikkim, in promoting Nepali language and literature.
He expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang for his continued support and encouragement towards the preservation and promotion of language and literature. He said that such support provided encouragement to the Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Sikkim, in carrying forward its literary and cultural activities.
He concluded by expressing hope for continued support from the State Government and the literary community in strengthening the Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Sikkim, and carrying forward its work for Nepali language, literature and culture.
Executive Member, NESAP, Ms Usha Sharma, delivered an address on ‘Constitutional Recognition of Nepali Language and the Current Situation’. She highlighted the significance of constitutional recognition and said that continued efforts were needed to promote and strengthen the language in contemporary society.
Ms Usha Sharma emphasised that constitutional recognition had provided an important foundation for the development of the language. She stressed the need to encourage younger generations to learn and use the language and underlined the collective responsibility of families, writers, institutions and the wider community in preserving its literary and cultural richness.
Earlier, the programme commenced with a welcome address delivered by General Secretary, Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Sikkim, Mr Bhim Rawat.
As part of the programme, Miss Rachana Rai was presented with the Prem Lall Smriti Shaikshik Puraskar for securing the highest marks in Nepali in the final semester examination of Sikkim University for the year 2025.
The programme also featured the launch and introduction of literary works, along with other literary activities, followed by the distribution of certificates to students who participated in various competitions organised during the 212th Bhanu Jayanti celebrations.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Executive Member, NESAP, Mr D R Giri.
