Gorkhas have tirelessly worked towards development of both Assamese and Nepali literature: CM

EOI, GUWAHATI, DECEMBER 10, 2024 : Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday attended an open session organized at the Shivaji Rai Samanbay Xetrain in the historic town of Sarupathar, commemorating the Golden Jubilee of the Assam Nepali Sahitya Sabha. Speaking on the occasion, Sarma praised the Gorkhas of Assam for their unwavering commitment to the development of both Nepali and Assamese literature and culture. He noted that the Gorkhas, born in Assam and educated through the Assamese language, have tirelessly worked towards the development of the Nepali language and culture. Reflecting on the Assam Nepali Sahitya Sabha's fifty-year-long legacy, he acknowledged the organization as a leading literary and intellectual body for the Gorkha community, whose contributions have significantly shaped both the Nepali and Assamese literary spheres in Assam.

He also acknowledged the Gorkhas' proud and rich heritage, emphasizing their migration across Assam and India since prehistoric times. The CM spoke about the comparative study of Assamese and Nepali languages and underscored the contributions of prominent figures such as Hari Prasad Gorkha Rai. A prominent writer from the Awahan era, Gorkha Rai, alongside other notable figures like Dhanbahadur Sonar and Govinda Chandra Paira, played a key role in fostering discourse between Assamese and Nepali literary traditions.

He acknowledged the immense contributions of the Gorkhas to Assamese society and culture, citing the example of Chabilal Upadhyaya. A prominent leader in the struggle for India's independence, Upadhyaya pioneered the establishment of several educational institutions, including Biswanath College, in the Assamese medium. He emphasized that Upadhyaya's legacy would continue to inspire future generations.

Mentioning the recognition of Assamese as a Classical Language by the Government of India, Dr. Sarma referenced the discovery of a fourth-century inscription in the village of Nagajari-Khanikargaon, near Sarupathar, which substantiates the presence of the oldest script in Northeast India. He also mentioned a similar inscription from Barpathar's Duboroni. These discoveries played a crucial role in securing Assamese's recognition as a classical language, he added.

The CM traced the history of the Gorkhas in Assam back to the era of Kumar Bhaskara Varman. Reflecting on the India-Nepal Agreement, he stressed that Gorkhas cannot be considered foreigners in India. He lauded the present State government's efforts in removing the stigma of "D-voters" from the Gorkhas and declared them as a protected class under the tribal belt and block. Highlighting the present State government's role in facilitating access to Aadhaar cards for those who previously lacked them, he noted that Gorkhas no longer need to provide documentation for three generations in Assam.

He affirmed that with the government's support, the Gorkha community has now firmly established itself within Assam's mainstream society, calling them an indigenous community. He stated that the Gorkhas' contributions to Assam and India, through their blood and sweat, are invaluable and must continue to be honored as they help elevate society.