Namchi, August 31: Sikkim Government College (SGC), Namchi, observed the 35th Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas on August 31, 2026, with a programme featuring literary discussions, cultural performances, poetry recitation and a round-table discussion on the contemporary status of the Nepali language. The programme was organised by the Department of Nepali at the college auditorium.
Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas is observed annually on August 20 to commemorate the inclusion of Nepali in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India in 1992. The programme at SGC Namchi was organised as a commemorative event to highlight the importance of preserving and promoting the Nepali language, literature and cultural identity.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Mr Durga Prasad Sharma, Head of the Department of Nepali. The event was attended by Shri Sukraj Subba, eminent litterateur as Chief Guest; Mr Rajendra Bhandari, eminent Nepali poet as Guest Speaker; Dr Yogesh Khati, Principal, Sonada Degree College, Sonada, Darjeeling, West Bengal; Dr Balram Pandey, Assistant Professor, Sikkim University; and other distinguished guests.
Addressing the gathering, Guest Speaker Mr Rajendra Bhandari stressed the importance of preserving the Nepali language and cultural heritage. Reflecting on the long history of the movement for recognition of Nepali, he highlighted the contributions of individuals and organisations associated with the struggle for linguistic recognition.
He cautioned that the value of a mother tongue is often realised only when its use and preservation come under threat. Referring to recent developments concerning language policy in West Bengal and the concerns expressed by the Nepali-speaking community in Darjeeling, he emphasised the need for continued efforts to protect linguistic and cultural identity.
Chief Guest Shri Sukraj Subba, also underscored the importance of loving and preserving one's mother tongue. He remarked that neglecting one's language could ultimately lead to the erosion of one's identity and cultural roots. Sharing experiences from his past, he spoke about the linguistic barriers he encountered in West Bengal and the difficulties arising from a lack of institutional sensitivity towards linguistic diversity.
The celebration also featured vibrant cultural performances by students from the Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha and Limboo Departments. The performances included the Lepcha traditional dance, Maruni dance and Nepali folk dance, showcasing the rich cultural diversity of Sikkim.
A major highlight of the programme was a round-table discussion on the theme, “The Nepali Language in Electronic Media within the Indian Context.” The panel comprised Dr Pushkar Parajuli, Associate Professor, North Bengal University; Dr Yogesh Khati, Principal, Sonada Degree College; Dr Balram Pandey, Assistant Professor, Sikkim University; and Dr Shiva Kumar Nepal, Associate Professor, Department of Nepali, SGC Namchi. NB Chettri (Ghimirey), journalist and elected Joint Secretary of the Press Club of Sikkim, served as the moderator.
The panellists shared their perspectives on the growing presence and changing role of Nepali in electronic and digital media. Dr Pushkar Parajuli highlighted the positive role of digital media in promoting the use of the mother tongue. He observed that language provides diverse ways of expressing thoughts and ideas and emphasised that its value ultimately lies in its ability to communicate effectively.
The programme also included a poetry recitation session, in which participants presented their original works in Nepali. The results of the literary competitions organised by the Department of Nepali were subsequently announced.
In the poetry recitation competition, Dipsika Chettri of the Nepali Department, third semester, secured first position, followed by Anmol Rai in second place and Tika Darjee in third place.
In the essay-writing competition, Tika Devi Gurung of the Nepali Department, third semester, secured first position, while Pushkar Lamichaney and Dipsika Chettri secured second and third positions, respectively.
In the short-story writing competition, Pranita Rai of the English Department, fifth semester, secured first position, followed by Mingma Diki Sherpa in second place and Anjan Dahal in third place.
Adding an interactive element to the programme, a fun language-based activity was organised in which students and faculty members were asked to provide Nepali equivalents of commonly used English terms. Participants were asked to identify terms such as “Social Welfare Department” (सामाजिक कल्याण विभाग) and “Health and Family Welfare Department” (स्वास्थ्य तथा परिवार कल्याण विभाग). Participants who answered correctly were awarded souvenirs. The activity aimed to promote awareness of Nepali terminology in an engaging and enjoyable manner.
Another significant moment of the programme was the signing of the second edition of the magazine published by the Department of Nepali by Chief Guest Shri Sukraj Subba.
The programme concluded with the felicitation of the Chief Guest and other distinguished guests and the distribution of souvenirs. The vote of thanks was delivered by Shri D. R. Sharma, Assistant Professor, SGC Namchi, who expressed gratitude to the guests, faculty members and students for their contributions towards the successful organisation of the programme.
