Sajha Sahitya Sanrakshan Sanstha Grandly Celebrates 34th Nepali Language Recognition Day in Gorubathan

Gorubathan, August 29, 2025 : The Sajha Sahitya Sanrakshan Sanstha marked a significant cultural milestone by celebrating the 34th Nepali Language Recognition Day with grandeur and reverence at the Sadhbhav Mandap Hall, located in the bustling Somabarey Bazaar of Gorubathan. The event not only honored the recognition of the Nepali language in the Indian Constitution but also commemorated individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to literature, journalism, music, education, and cultural identity.

At the heart of the celebration was the conferral of the 5th Late R.B. Rai Memorial Award — a prestigious honor established in memory of the late educationist R.B. Rai, former principal of Juddhabir Higher Secondary School and a respected intellectual figure in the region. This year, the award was bestowed upon senior writer and musician Samir Rai Shanti, recognizing his over four decades of meaningful contributions to Nepali literature and music.

In a parallel honor, the Gorubathan Citizen Honour (Nagarik Samman) was presented to veteran journalist Arun Kumar Rai in recognition of his lifetime of service to journalism and community development. Both awards celebrate exemplary individuals whose life’s work has shaped and enriched Nepali society and identity.

The program was chaired by senior writer William Phipon and formally inaugurated by chief guest R.B. Rai, a former Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, language activist, progressive author, and senior leader of the CPRM. He, along with other distinguished guests, lit the ceremonial lamp in the presence of the audience, symbolizing the enlightenment of language, culture, and intellect.

Rustam Sharma, the secretary of the organizing body, delivered the welcome speech, setting the tone for a day that celebrated linguistic pride and cultural preservation.

A major literary highlight of the event was the formal release of the new short story collection "Madira Ko Sabha" written by Dr. Sonam Sherpa (Sonam Chukchhey) of Gorubathan Government College. The book was jointly launched by the chief guest and other eminent personalities, marking another significant addition to contemporary Nepali literature.

Renowned author and member of the Sahitya Academy’s Nepali Advisory Board, Subash Sotang, addressed the gathering on the history and importance of the Nepali language movement. He spoke eloquently about R.B. Rai’s invaluable contributions, the personal and political challenges he faced, and his relentless efforts in ensuring the inclusion of the Nepali language in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Chief guest R.B. Rai followed with his personal recollections, offering a detailed and heartfelt narrative of the linguistic movement, the historic struggles, and his pivotal role during his tenure in Parliament in advocating for the constitutional recognition of the Nepali language. His contributions were honored by the organizing committee with a traditional Nepali topi (cap), dosalla (shawl), a certificate of appreciation, and a memento, symbolizing collective gratitude and respect.

The cultural atmosphere of the event was further enriched by emotional poetry recitations by poet Suraksha Bhujel (Samsing) and Ayush Rai, a student of Juddhabir Higher Secondary School. Their heartfelt verses infused warmth and literary beauty into the programme.

Among the distinguished attendees were GTA Sabha Member for Constituency No. 43 Ratan Thapa, Panchayat Samity Chairman Suryamani Rai, award sponsor Shishir Chandra Rai, and other prominent intellectuals, social activists, and language enthusiasts from the community. Representatives from Gorubathan Government College, Juddhabir Higher Secondary School, Greenvale Academy, and the Kalimpong Press Club were also present, highlighting the institutional support for language and culture.

The event was smoothly conducted by host RJ Sanjay Pradhan, while the closing remarks were delivered by Chairman Tarun Rai.

In addition to celebrating linguistic and cultural contributions, the organization took a moment to honor three students who had excelled in the Nepali subject during their Secondary, Higher Secondary, and ICSE examinations. This gesture emphasized the importance of academic achievement in sustaining the future of the language.

The R.B. Rai Memorial Award, initiated four years ago, continues to recognize exceptional individuals from diverse fields who have significantly contributed to the community and the Nepali language. Previously, this award has been conferred upon Late Dr. Dick Dewan, renowned educationist and teacher from Pedong, Indrajit Mizar, celebrated singer from the Dooars region, Lalit Goley, acclaimed dramatist popularly known as Pala from Kalimpong, and Bikash Karki, prominent author from Salua.

These honors, inspired by the legacy of Late R.B. Rai, are not merely ceremonial but serve to uphold the ideals of service, creativity, and educational excellence that Rai himself embodied. He was not only a key figure in the educational upliftment of Gorubathan but also made the region his permanent home and field of action.

Sameer Rai Shanti, the recipient of this year’s R.B. Rai Memorial Award, is a stalwart of Nepali arts and letters. His literary works, including “Biplabi Pahadko Katha,” “Kirat Abhinandan Grantha” (as co-editor), and “Koshi Nadiley Bagayeko Ek Thunga Guras”, are celebrated for their depth and originality. He has also been editor for periodicals like Kadambari, Kuhiro, Kathartha, and Nawayug. His creative prowess extends into music and visual media, with contributions to albums like Subheksha, Sneha, Sagar, Triveni, and short films such as Ritto Ghar, Aama, and Mayale. His directed tele serials, including Maila Apa and Katha Jindagi, also showcase his multidimensional talent. He has also been felicitated by many organizations.

Arun Kumar Rai, recipient of the Gorubathan Citizen Award, has played a pivotal role in Nepali journalism. He began his career with Himalchuli and went on to work with Sunchari Samachar, the Hindi daily Janpath Samachar, and edit publications like Ankur (the magazine of Jaldhaka Higher Secondary School) and Naya Prawah. He is currently publishing Kalimpong News an online news and serving as the President of the Kalimpong Press Club. Rai is also working as Secretary of the Eastern Himalayan Journalists’ Union and national body of journalists, the Indian Journalists’ Union.

This year’s 34th Nepali Language Recognition Day was more than just a celebration of linguistic acknowledgment — it was a collective tribute to Nepali culture, identity, and heritage. Through the heartfelt contributions of individuals and organizations, the event served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing efforts to preserve and promote the Nepali language and the rich cultural legacy it carries.

From honoring towering figures in literature and journalism to uplifting students and launching new works of fiction, the event was a shining example of how a language is kept alive — not only through speech but through service, creativity, dedication, and shared memory.