Sikkim to have all government notifications issued in Nepali, says Golay

SUJAL PRADHAN, EOI, GANGTOK, AUGUST 20, 2024 : On the occasion of the Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas on Tuesday, Chief Minister of Sikkim Prem Singh Tamang announced a series of initiatives aimed at elevating the status of Nepali and ensuring its broader use within the state and beyond. There was a critical gap in the implementation of language policy, the Chief Minister said.

"Although Nepali is recognized in the Indian Constitution, no government notifications have been published in Nepali,” he explained. “From now onwards, all government notifications will be issued in Nepali." He emphasized that government advertisements would also be published in Nepali, reinforcing the importance of the language.

Tamang echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent call for the promotion of local languages across states. "In Sikkim, while we have Nepali, there are also other languages like Gurung, Rai, Tamang, Bhutia, and Lepcha. It is important to support and celebrate all our linguistic and cultural diversity," Tamang said.

The Chief Minister announced a significant push to integrate Nepali in the field of education. "We will distribute Nepali dictionaries to students across Sikkim and encourage all schools to incorporate Nepali language studies into their curriculum. Additionally, every school should have a designated day each week where traditional dress is worn, fostering a deeper connection with our cultural heritage."

Private universities in the state will also be required to offer Nepali language courses, and a notification to this effect will be issued soon. To mark the 50th anniversary of Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas in August 2025, the government plans to host grand celebrations involving school, college, and university students to underline the significance of the Nepali language. Tamang announced a grant of Rs 10 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Discretionary Fund to the Nepali Sahitya Parishad. "The fund will support various activities leading up to the 50th anniversary of Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas. We need to celebrate this milestone with vigor and educate our younger generations about the importance of preserving and promoting our language," he stated.

Tamang paid tribute to key figures who had fought for the constitutional recognition of the language, including Ananda Singh Thapa, Nar Bahadur Bhandari, and Dil Kumari Bhandari. "Their relentless efforts were instrumental in achieving constitutional recognition for Nepali. It is a proud moment not only for the people of Sikkim but for Nepali-speaking communities worldwide," he said.

The Chief Minister expressed his commitment to advancing the Nepali language and culture, stating, "Our government is dedicated to ensuring that Nepali language receives the recognition and support it deserves. We must continue to promote and respect our language, as it is integral to our identity and heritage."

The day's events included the awarding of the Kanchenjunga Mitrasen Smriti Award to musician Basant Chettri, recognizing his contributions to Nepali culture. The celebration was organized by the Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Sikkim, at Manan Bhawan, Gangtok. Wife of the Chief Minister Krishna Kumari Rai was present.