Showing posts with label Nepali Bhasha Diwas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nepali Bhasha Diwas. Show all posts

Commemorating the spirit of struggle on 25th Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas - Gorkha Students, JNU

10:35 AM
It was a new dawn for the Gorkhas of India when their language, Nepali was given a constitutional status on the 20th day of August 1992. This day commemorates the struggle of those visionary and revolutionary Gorkhas who had fought to provide Nepali language in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, thereby fulfilling the aspirations of millions of Gorkhas living in different states of India.  Nepali as an official language is spoken in the Indian state of Sikkim, Gorkhaland and it has many speakers in the North-East region of India and Uttarakhand. There are also a lot of Nepali speakers in countries like Bhutan and Burmaand a Nepali speaking diaspora lives in different countries of South Asia, Middle east, Europe, the Americas, Australia and other parts of Asia. Nepali generally falls under the category of Pahari language branched out of the Indo-Aryan language family, thus sharing a commonality with languages of the Himalayan belt. Its history like any other language is rooted deep in time and the story of its struggle is the story of the Gorkhas in India. The recognition of Nepali language in the constitution is not merely a victory but a stepping stone towards the formation a separate state for the Gorkhas of India.
Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas celebrated by Gorkha Students, JNU.
Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas celebrated by Gorkha Students, JNU -2015 a file photo
Although Nepali language has been given recognition by the Indian constitution but whether in practice, it has been able to breed properly in the sub-continent is a big question in itself. It is a sad reality that the West Bengal government has always alienated Nepali language by its power of hegemony and linguistic imposition on the people of the Gorkhaland. Such linguistic imposition is exercised by many clever bureaucratic and cultural tactics which includes forcing the people of Gorkhaland to learn a language(Bengali) which has always been alien to them, denying skilled jobs to Nepali speakers in government offices, changing names of places (roads, streets etc ) that were once in Nepali and introducing the Bengali script to write Nepali .Such is the atrocity meted out to people where Nepali language is an official language. In places where it is not, conditions are even more worse where the majoritarian attitude even denies to recognize the importance of Nepali language or its speakers in their hegemonic paradigm. When many other indigenous language has its healthy space to breed and grow, Nepali language in India is in the verge of endangerment. Even in the most progressive campus of Jawaharlal Nehru University which claims to protect the rights of the history and culture of the oppressed, there is no centre for the learning of Nepali language. The question should be raised as Why a language which is spoken by millions of people in India still do not have a place in JNU or many other big universities in India? It is an irony that a scheduled language in the Indian constitution is facing an act of discrimination and isolation. We have always known that India is a diverse country with many cultures interacting together in peace but such peace seems to exist in fairy tales in school textbooks. In practice it is a majoritarian communal attitude which is spreading its obnoxious tentacles to succumb the rights of the minorities and other oppressed communities. This linguistic and racial discrimination that the Gorkhas face is not a new event. This community has been ignored for centuries and has been recognized only as pawns in battlefields and yet the eyes of the so called progressive forces that fight for all never care to give a look at our plight. Thus, a separate state for the Gorkhas becomes obvious and inevitable in order to protect and preserve the rights of the community by its people so that they do not fell prey to any majoritarian attacks in the future.

Gorkha Students, JNU salutes all revolutionaries who had struggled for their cultural and linguistic identity in the past and whoever are doing so in the present. We demand that the rights of the oppressed communities and nationalities be ensured thereby bringing an end to the majoritarian tyranny in any form anywhere. Please join in large numbers for a public meeting on the history and struggle of the constitutional recognition of Nepali language in India.

Speaker:  Prof. Shrawan Acharya, CSRD, JNU
Venue: Godavari Mess, Time: 9:30 PM
GORKHA STUDENTS, JNU


Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas celebrated by Gorkha Students, JNU

6:07 PM
Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas historically celebrated in Jawaharlal Nehru University  

Writes Dawa Sherpa

Nepali music and poetry wafted for the first time in the hallowed halls of Jawaharlal Nehru University. The programme celebrating the 24th Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas organised by Gorkha Students (JNU) at School of Social Science- 1, Auditorium on 20th August, 2015 saw huge participation of not just Nepali speaking students but also other students of the University. The main speakers in the programme were Mr. Uttam Kumar Chettri and Dr. Saroj Giri (Political Science, University of Delhi).
Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas celebrated by Gorkha Students, JNU

 Palzor Tamang also enthralled the audience with the song "gazalu le'
The program started with group song titled “Yo desh ko mato le bhancha”. After which Dawa Sherpa who on behalf of Gorkha Students in his welcome address argued that the recognition and inclusion of Nepali language in Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution was a major step forward in the struggle of the Gorkhas in India to demolish the arguments/doubts which were trying to obstruct and eliminate the aspirations for a separate state of Gorkhaland. He said that despite getting constitutional recognition, the unbroken chain of exploitative moves of West Bengal Government against the Gorkha community based on its linguistic identity has not changed rather worsened overtime.  He argued how the Nepali language is still not included as an optional language paper in the West Bengal Civil Service Examination (WBCS) for years without giving any explanation, while all other optional language/subjects like Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, Sanskrit, Santhal and even Pali are included.
The first speaker of the programme, Mr. Uttam Kumar Chettri who had played an important role during the Bhasa Andolan and was also the Convenor of All India Nepali Bhasa Ekta Samiti during that time relived his personal experiences. In his speech, he gave the social-political context under which this movement emerged and gave exhaustive historical details related with the Bhasa Andolan in India. He argued that Gorkhas has faced immense amount of racial and political discrimination at the hand of the Indian government and that the Gorkhas need to unite and assert themselves politically to get rid of these exploitations. Palzor Tamang also enthralled the audience with the song "gazalu le'
Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas historically celebrated in Jawaharlal Nehru University
The second speaker Dr. Saroj Giri spoke about need for space of dissent and disagreement in our Nepali society and how they are the soul of any democratic society. He said how any movement of oppressed community should have that space for self reflection for giving democratic soul to any such movement. He told the audience how before fighting larger external battle there is a need for a critical evaluation of internal exploitation within our community.

A cultural program followed the talk. Members of Gorkha Students, Pritika and Bhawana sang ‘baneko cha pahara le’ to a glorious applause. This was followed by poetry elocution/ recitation starting with Ishani Waiba who recited jaha mah ubchu tehi mero desh by Gopal Yonzom followed by Marina Rai who recited brahm ko pahar by Raja Puniyani and Bibas Sewa who recited his own poem call Chinnari. Followed by a mesmerizing group dance by Priyanka Chettri, Bhawana Khati and Ishani Waiba. In the end Gorkha Students members sang Gau Gau Bata Utha.

The entire programme was in Nepali and conducted by Barun Adhikary and vote of thanks was given by Bijay Thapa. The programme was attended by more than 200 hundred students of different communities.

-Gorkha Students, JNU

Kursrong Gorkha Jan Pustakalay (GJP) call to promote Nepali language

1:58 PM

Kurseong, | 21 August, 2015: Residents of Kurseong observed the 23rd Nepali Bhansa Diwas on Thursday, under the banner of Gorkha Jan Pustakalay (GJP).

Like every year, this year too, GJP hosted and observed Nepali Bhasha Diwas in Kurseong, organizing a rally in Kurseong town, where a large number of students from different schools and people from all walks of life including GTA members Yogendra Rai and Prabha Chettri participated. During the rally, the students carried different placards with slogans on ‘emphasizing and promoting the Nepali language.'

After the rally, a program was staged at GJP, in which, the speakers of the program emphasized on the proper implementation of the Nepali language.

The president of GJP, Robin Pradhan said that the Nepali language has already been recognized and given a place in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution of India, but still, it is yet to be implemented and promoted fully by the government. He added that since the recognition of the Nepali language on 20 August 1992, the GJP have been observing the day.

GTA member from Kurseong, Yogendra Rai said that to promote the Nepali language, the GTA chief, Bimal Gurung has already announced ‘Nepali language’ as the official language of the GTA. He added that they feel that the Nepali language which was recognised in 1992, will help and play an important role to create a separate state of Gorkhaland.

Chief guest of the program, Buddhiman Pradhan, who is also one of the leaders of the ‘Nepali Language’ agitation, said that to promote the Nepali language, the Sikkim Government used to organize a special program every three years, in which, they felicitated and gave rewards to the institutions and individuals, who have been working and organizing ‘different’ programmes for the promotion of the Nepali language. Hence, to promote the language, the GTA should also organize such programs, he added. SNS

Bimal Gurung rakes up Gorkhaland demand on 23rd Bhasa Diwas

12:30 PM
Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung on Thursday said he trusted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and was hopeful that the popular demand for a separate Gorkhaland state would be achieved soon under the BJP’s rule. Speaking on the occasion of the 23rd Bhasa Diwas in Darjeeling organised by the Gorkha Janmukti Yuwa Morcha (GJYM), the party’s youth front, Gurung said, “The BJP included our statehood demand in its election manifesto both in 2009 and 2014. The Prime Minister has even said that the dreams of the Gorkhas are his dreams. I am 110 per cent sure that he (Modi) will keep the promise he made prior to the 2014 Lok Sabha election.” In the same breath, Gurung also tried to clarify the hasty statement he had made saying “a separate state would be achieved by 2010 or I would kill myself”, which has become the Opposition’s ace card to throw at the GJM. “I was made to say that because of reasons that were favourable for us. In 2009, Jaswant Singh of the BJP became the Darjeeling MP and hopes were high that the saffron party would come to power in Delhi, but unfortunately this did not materialise. The BJP had also mentioned the Gorkhaland demand in the party’s election manifesto,” the GJM
 Bimal Gurung Speaking on the occasion of the 23rd Bhasa Diwas in Darjeeling organised by the Gorkha Janmukti Yuwa Morcha (GJYM)
Bimal Gurung Speaking on the occasion of the 23rd Bhasa Diwas in Darjeeling organised by he
Gorkha Janmukti Yuwa Morcha (GJYM)
Gurung asserted he has not lost hope and that a separate state would be achieved soon. “We have helped give the BJP and MP from Darjeeling once again and our demand has figured in their manifesto. We will soon celebrate the Bhasa Diwas in a Gorkhaland state,” he said. On August 20, 1992, the Nepali language was officially recognized under the 8th Schedule of the Constitution after a prolonged struggle. The GJM chief also reiterated that good relations should be maintained with the state government to usher in development of the hills. “We made a mistake by asking Bengal for a separate state as it is not capable of giving us anything. However, we need to keep developing the hills and this is why we should keep good relations with the state government,” he said. Gurung, who is the chief executive of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration, also had a word of advice for the youths of the hills and asked them to prepare themselves for the future. “The GTA is only a test for us to see how well we can administer our region. We have learned a lot by now and the youths must be ready now because it will not be long before we achieve our demand. Should we hire IAS and IPS officers from outside to run our state?” he said to thunderous applause from the crowd. During the course of the day, Gurung handed out Rs68 lakh as compensation to the families of the June landslide victims and an additional sum of Rs50,000 each to two students for their higher studies. After the June landslide that

claimed 34 lives in different places of the hills, the GTA had promised to provide Rs2 lakh each to the victims’ kin, an amount in addition to the compensation promised by the state and central governments.

Source EOI

Amir Sundas sculpts unique statute of Bhanu Bhakta Acharya at Milan More

10:16 AM
Amir Sundas is the man behind the unique statute of poet  Nepali poet Bhanu Bhakta Acharya in a sitting posture installed at Milan More Siliguri. Amir is multi-talented and in addition to sculpting he is also deft at painting, music and other art forms.
Amir Sundas seen in action.
Amir Sundas seen in action - PIC via TheDC
Amir Sundas from Bagrakote in Dooars is the artist who designed and sculpt the unique statute of Bhanu Bhakta Acharya in sitting position that was unveiled at Milan More Siliguri on the 23rd Nepali Bhasha Diwas , the day when the Nepali language got recognition by the Constitution.

The statue made in a sitting position on stone with verses of the Ramayana engraved is the first one in Bengal and l cost around Rs 3 lakhs.

With inputs from TheDC


Siliguri Gorkha Manch to Prioritize Nepali Language

On 23rd Nepali Bhasha Diwas SGM held a meeting just to celebrate the auspicious occasion and the meeting was chaired by Smt Sudha Passi.
Siliguri Gorkha Manch to Prioritize Nepali Language
Siliguri Gorkha Manch to Prioritize Nepali Language
The General Secretary Shri Suren Pradhan welcomed the members and wished them a very happy Bhasha Diwas and placed the agenda which was already passed to them. After a hot discussion the following resolutions were unanimously adopted.

1. From today onwards SGM will make all correspondence in Nepali language, no use of other language.

2. All text books of Nepali medium schools have numerous spelling mistakes and delay in supply for this reason SGM shall write to the concerned authority and will ensure that no spelling mistake in text books and timely supply of books

. 3. Once Nepali language has been recognized by the Indian constitution it should be adopted as official language not only in three hill sub divisions of Darjeeling but in SiliguriTerai and that all forms be printed in Nepali - eg voter card, ration cards, Aadhar card and all other forms should also be printed in Nepali Language too.

SGM has stated that they will start correspondence immediately with the concerned authority for implementation of the above. 

SGM saluted the agitators who were directly or indirectly involved in the Bhasha andolan. SGM will immediately submit a memorandum to D.M Darjeeling and all concerned authority very soon.

Via TheDC

Fighting with state for Gorkhaland was a "mistake" - Bimal Gurung

9:26 AM
Vivek Chhetri

Darjeeling, Aug. 20: Bimal Gurung today, 23rd Nepali Bhasha Diwas, said fighting with the state government over the Gorkhaland demand was a "mistake" as a separate state can be achieved only through the Centre.
Bimal Gurung at Gorkha Rangamanch Bhavan on Nepali Bhasha Diwas
Bimal Gurung at Gorkha Rangamanch Bhavan on Thursday. Picture by Suman Tamang
While addressing a programme organised by the Gorkha Janmukti Yuva Morcha to celebrate Bhasa Divas, Gurung said: "We were fighting with the Bengal government and this was a mistake because even if Bengal wants, it cannot give Gorkhaland. Statehood can be given only by the Centre and I am 110 per cent confident that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will live up to his words."

At a public meeting in Siliguri on April 10, Modi had said; "The dream of the Gorkhas is my dream."

Gurung also spoke about the need to maintain peace in the hills. "There must be peace in the hills. Our party, since its inception (in 2007), has always talked about the need for peace. There was lot of bloodshed in Nagaland, but ultimately, they had to come to the negotiating table," he said.

During the last phase of agitation in 2013, nearly 1,000 Morcha supporters were arrested, including senior leaders.

"Right now, tourists are coming to Darjeeling hills. Funds are also flowing to the GTA. The GTA is a test of our administrative ability and very soon, we will be administering a state," Gurung said at the Gorkha Rangamanch Bhavan.

The Morcha chief, who had famously said that Gorkhaland would be created by March 10, 2010, today said: "... we have not lost hope and we will not do anything that will go against our community."

Gurung said he will meet Sikkim chief minister Pawan Chamling in Gangtok tomorrow and not on August 23. Sources said Chamling is scheduled to leave for Delhi tomorrow.

Gurung will meet Chamling to drum up support for the inclusion of 10 Gorkha communities in the ST list.

Morcha aid
Gurung, the chief executive of GTA, today handed over cheques of Rs 2 lakh to each of the next of kin of the 34 people who died in the June landslides. The GTA has decided to give additional help of Rs 50,000 each to Vivek Rai, a Class VI student from Kalimpong, and Selushna Thapa, a first-year student from Mirik, who lost their parents in the landslides.

Source: Telegraph

Paschim Sikkim Sahitya Prakasan observed 23rd Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas

7:32 PM
Rudra Kaushik

Paschim Sikkim Sahitya Prakasan celebrated 23rd Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas at Community Hall, Geyzing here today. The Chairman of Sikkim OBC Commission, T.N Sharma was present as chief guest accompanied by Yangthang constituency MLA, Chandra Maya Subba as guest of honor.
Addressing the gathering, chief guest appreciated organizing committee for organizing such programme in west district headquarter. He highlighted the efforts made by nepali leaders for the recognition of Nepali language in 8th Scheduled of Indian Constitution. 'We should respect our language and culture which reflect our identity. Though the Nepali language is being recognized 23years ago but span of 23 years our language is not being interpreted in Indian Parliament, which is major set back on our language'.
Paschim Sikkim Sahitya Prakasan observed 23rd Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas
Paschim Sikkim Sahitya Prakasan observed 23rd Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas
He urged the school students to take education as mission to make themselves as well educated person in society citing the example of ancient education system.

He also spoke on Burman Commission report and recent public hearing on the inclusion of 4 different leftout communities on OBC category.

Beside that Quiz Competition was also held related to Nepali language where Lingchom School stood first position followed by Pelling School and Sakyong School as second and third position repectively.

students of different school perfomed colourful traditional cultural programne.
The programme was attended by SDM, Geyzing Surat Gurung,school students, teachers and local gentris.

Via - VOS

Mirik college observes Nepali language Bhasha Manyata Diwas

6:26 PM
The Nepali Language Bhasha Manyata Diwas was today obesrved by Mirik College to mark the completion of the 24 years of the recognition of the Nepali language.

Principals from various schools, Journalist, Photographers, Mirik P.S SI Rabi Kumar Diyali and other prominent literature were present as the chief guest. The day stressed on the use of the Language which has got its constitutional long back.

Catch a glimpse of Mirik college observes Nepali language Bhasa Manyata Diwa

Mirik college observes Nepali language Bhasha Manyata Diwas






Via Voice of Mirik

Nepali “Bhasa Andolan”: Re-telling the Story (Nepali Language Movement)

10:19 AM
Rasik Chhetri
Founder and Trainer Prachetas Consulting

Introduction
Language is considered as the life blood of human civilization. The Cambridge dictionary defines language as “a system of communication consisting of sounds, words and grammar, or the system of communication used by people in particular country or type of work.” India being a diversified country, it is Mecca of many languages and dialects, Nepali being one of them.

Nepali is an Indo Aryan language and mainly has its origin in Sanskrit. Mainly considered as language of Nepal, it is also spoken in many parts of India especially in North Bengal, Deharadun in Uttarakhand and also in large part of North East India.
 Gorkha league and CPRM fighting for the same cause Nepali Language Recognition in Indian Constitution
Darjeeling - Gorkha league and CPRM fighting for the same cause Nepali Language Recognition in Indian Constitution
Nepali Language and the Indian Constitution: Identity and Issues
Nepali language has its origin from Nepal and it is also considered as national language of Nepal. Thus the perceptions of all Nepali speaking people are citizens of Nepal were very popular. The Indo Nepal treaty of 1950 also contributed to it as article VI of treaty mentioned that “Each Government undertakes, in token of the neighborly friendship between India and Nepal, to give to the Nationals of the other, in its territory, national treatment with regard to participation of industrial and economic development of such territory and to grant of concessions and contracts relating to such development.” Further article VII of same treaty complemented by stating “The Governments of India and Nepal agree to grant, on a reciprocal basis, to the national of one country in the territories of the other the same privileges in the matter of residence, ownership of property, participation in trade and commerce, movement and privileges of a similar nature.”

The Nepali speaking Indian citizens were facing following problems:
a. Due to similar culture and language of Nepal, they were misunderstood as Nepali citizens.
b. The Indo Nepal treaty of 1950 further diluted the identity and nationality.So recognition of Nepali language became prime importance in order to solve these problems to great extend.
After establishment of Nepali Sahitiya Sammelan in 25th May 1926 the demand for use of Nepali language for official works was initiated. On 30th of July 1926 Bengal Government issued the official notification stating that “Nepali language” will be renamed as “Nepali.” On 8th January 1927 another official gazette was issued recognizing Nepali as one of the official language of Bengal province. Regarding the education of Nepali language Bengal government on 24th July 1918 issued another notification stating that under Calcutta University, Nepali can be studied as one Vernacular in Intermediate, I.A. and B.A. courses.
In 1953 one more notification was issued recognizing Nepali as medium of instruction in school till intermediate.

First steps
The first official demand regarding the recognition was made on 18th Jan 1956 by Anand Singh Thapa, editor of “Jagrat Gorkha.” In his memorandum addressed to the President of Republic of India he writes,”…is it not the matter of great injustice that while our constitution guarantees the official use of any language spoken by the people of the State, the Government does not recognize the language spoken by more than five million people, and that the Nepali Language should be treated as a foreign language in free India?” 

The President forwarded the letter to Official language reorganization commission and it was answered by the commission President B.G. Kher. Anand Singh Thapa also sends his further observations on letter dated 23rd February 1956. After this there is no record of any new progress. 
The citizens of Darjeeling were more focused during that time in inclusion of Nepali as official language of West Bengal. After lot of struggle The West Bengal Official Language Act, 1961 was passed and Nepali was now recognized as official language of West Bengal. The Next uprising of this revolution began on 1977 when Sindhi was included in 8th Schedule of constitution. 

After 1961, the demand for inclusion of Nepali in 8th schedule of Indian constitution was mainly confined to Newspapers and magazines. The magazines like Diyaalo and Diyo, the popular literary magazines highlighted these issues on their editorial column too. It was felt that these initiatives were not effective and was confined to limited area only.

Comrade Ratanlal Brahmin won 1971 general election from Darjeeling constituency and on 22 March 1971 when he wanted to take oath as Member of Parliament in Nepali he was opposed and was not allowed. On 29th June 1971 during the session again Ratanlal Brahmin participated in discussion using Nepali. He was opposed, but he insisted and informed the house of his inability to speak other language except Nepali, after which speaker had to allow him.

On 3rd January 1972 Nepali Bhasa Samity was founded which was later named as Akhil Bharatiya Nepali Bhasa Samity. The main aim of this Committee was to unify all cultural, Literary, Spiritual, social, political and other organizations in National level.

The first public meet was held on 13th February 1972 where different communities and social organizations were invited and was appealed to support for the cause. On 19th February 1972 another Public meeting was organized where all the major political parties were brought together. On 24th February 1972 third meet was held where all literary, cultural and educational organizations were invited. The head office was established in Darjeeling.

All the organizations were requested to send official letters to Prime minister demanding the inclusion of Nepali language in 8th Schedule of the constitution.Resolution for inclusion of Nepali in 8th Schedule was passed by Legislative Assembly by the state of West Bengal on 2nd July 1977 followed by Tripura on 28th June 1978 and by Sikkim on 22nd September 1982.

The first delegation met the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on 11th April 1972. It was painful for the delegation to hear prime minister saying, “..The constitutional recognition of Nepali language should be viewed as a matter of security.” In same year on 29th October, when she visited Darjeeling and opposed the recognition of Nepali, she had to face a massive protest itself in the meeting venue. Next day whole Darjeeling was shut down and people were on roads, with their demand. The Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had to call the delegation of Nepali Bhsasa samity on Raj Bhawan, Darjeeling where delegation submitted memorandum to her. 

On 28th December 1972 the delegation of Bhasa samiti, all the political parties of Darjeeling and representatives of important literary organization met in salt lake to seriously about the issue. This meeting ended with resolution of conducting all party meeting in New Delhi.

The delegation of Committee went to meet the then Prime minister of India Moraji Desai on 29th September 1977. They were bluntly refused by the Prime Minister regarding the inclusion in 8th Schedule. During his discussions Moraji Desai used sentences like “….You all wherever you are you have to adjust and sit, I would rather use, suppressed…” and when he was asked about inclusion of Sindhi in 8th Schedule he replied “…Sindhi cannot be compared with yours. Sindhi are Indians; during partition they came here. You all came to be recruited in army [from Nepal] and you all are just residing in different part of India. Shall I stop recruitment of Nepali people in Indian army? When you are given place to adjust your elbow, you want to take everything.”This clearly showed the perspective of Indian government towards the Nepali speaking citizens of India. He too had to face a massive protest when he visited Darjeeling on 28th May 1979.

It came to notice that in order to get place in constitution the respective language should be recognized by Sahitya Academy, New Delhi. This mission was also initiated by many literary and political organizations and eminent person like Dr. Parasmani Pradhan and Siddharth Shankar Ray. It was finally accomplished and Nepali got recognition on December 1978.

In 1977 congress lost the election on centre and on 1978 Indira Gandhi again visited Darjeeling as Congress (I) president. She had long discussions with the Bhasa Samiti members and gave hope that if she returns to power the government will take their demand seriously. In 1980 Janta Government fell and Indira Gandhi came to power, but nothing was done. In order to draw the attention of Prime Minister National Meet was organized in Delhi on 7th and 8th November 1981 where Shri Pranab Mukherjee came as Government’s representative informed that the bill will be tabled on parliament on first session of 1982. 

On 5th, 6th and 7th June 1982 Fourth National conference was held by Bhasa Samity and resolution was taken to make this issue strong in national level. 

The then chief minister of Sikkim, Nar Bahadur Bhandari assured that he will cooperate in all respect regarding the inclusion of Nepali in 8th schedule.

Amidst Hope and Despair
Indira Government did not turned up and many Bhasa samity and Nepali speaking citizens of India kept pressing the issue through rallies, Dharna, writing in papers etc. but nothing was heard. Slowly the patience began to erode and on 2nd October 1983 three days hunger strike was started in national capital as well as many places of India which was a grand success. 

Again the series of memorandum and reminders were sent to prime minister. On 31st October 1984 Indira Gandhi was assassinated. On 15th March 1985 CPIM M.P. Sathya Gopal Mitra tabled abill regarding the inclusion of Nepali language in 8th schedule and it was also covered with empty assurance by the government.

Hope was diminishing and there were confusions and setbacks. On 11th and 12th June 1990 All India Nepali language conference was organized in Gangtok. This two days conference gave birth to new body, “Bharatiya Nepali Rashtriya Parishad.” which had objective of Inclusion of Nepali Language in 8th Schedule of the constitution. It was headed by Chief Minister Nar Bahadur Bhandari. 
This organization took the agitation to next level. Nar Bahadur Bhandari himself went to Delhi in order to fetch support from many M.Ps.

On 4th September 1990 delegation again met the then Prime minister V.P.Singh and discussed this matter in great detail. Again the moments of waiting were seen and no seriousness was seen on a part of Government.

Sri P.V. Narshima Rao became the Prime minister. The delegation met him on 10th September 1991 and he also assured after listening to the delegates. The Parishad started conducting many seminars all around the country in order to create pressure to the central government.

Hope Dawns again
In 1991 general election Dil Kumari Bhandari was elected as M.P. from Sikkim which was the turning point for the language lovers. She tabled the private bill on this issue which was discussed on 24th April and 8th May in the parliament. In this long discussion, Dil kumari Bhandari clarified many doubts of the opposing parties.

Prime Minister P.V.Narshima Rao then decided to call all party meeting on this issue. On 17th June 1992 Home Minister H.B. Chauwhan called the all party metting . Since three legislative assemblies had passed the resolution, so it was not a problem for giving the green signal. Then Home minister assured that the bill regarding inclusion of three languages in Indian constitution will be tabled in the coming session. It was the most hopeful moment for all language lovers.

The monsoon session started from 8th July 1992.The bill regarding the inclusion of Nepali language was also distributed. But it was not proposed before the house. On 19th of August 1992 Dil kumara Bahndari forced the debate in the house and there was lots of uproar in the house. She even said in front of speaker, “If Nepali is foreign Language then who am I?”

Inclusion
Finally on 20th August, Lok Sabha passed the inclusion of Nepali, Konkani and Manipuri in 8th Schedule of constitution with full majority. Mr. R.B. Rai, the then Rajya Sabha M.P. writes, “…I got the news that bill is passed in Lok Sabha. I hurried to the central hall and found Dil Kumarai Bhandari and other M.P.s talking in happy mood.

There was happiness spread all over. She handed over the copy of bill. In Number 2 of main bill it was written – Existing entries 9 to 15 shall be re-numbered as entries 12 to 18 respectively and before entry 12 as so re-numbered. The entry 11 Nepali shall be inserted. It was moment of great satisfaction for me…” On passing of bill in Rajya Sabha, in his speech He said, “I am overwhelmed by the trust and confidence bestowed on us. The historic event will go long way in cementing the process of integrity of the nation in bringing the Nepali speaking people into the mainstream of national life by giving them an ethnic identity.” Thus the Notification on Nepali Language was issued on 01.09.1992 which was seventy first amendment of Indian constitution.

Conclusion
The struggle for inclusion of Nepali Language in 8th schedule of constitution was historic event for the whole of Nepali speaking community of India. The first memorandum by Anand Singh Thapa to passing of bill on 20th of August 1992 went through series of setbacks and pains and sacrifices. So now the vista opens in front of us where we can explore how this language is treated by its native speakers as well as government now. The struggle was not easy and even the management and preservation of this status and language is also a great challenge in the hand of present generation.

- please read and share this story...so we know the value of our mother language

Source: Glorified Gorkhas

Statue of Bhanu Bhakta to be installed on Nepali Bhasha Diwas

10:51 PM
A unique statue of eminent Nepali poet Bhanu Bhakta Acharya will be installed

A unique statue of eminent Nepali poet Bhanu Bhakta Acharya will be installed on Thursday by Congress MLA Shankar Malakar on the auspicious occasion of Nepali Bhasha Diwas at Milan More near Siliguri.

The idol made in a sitting position on stone with verses of the Ramayana engraved is the first one in Bengal. The idol was made by famous idol maker Amir Sundas with the cost around Rs 3 lakhs.
Deepak Neopane, a member of the Samity, said the main motive behind establishing the organisation is to celebrate the birth anniversary of Adhi Kavi Bhanu Bhakta Acharya on an annual basis and boost the development of Nepali literature and culture.

Eminent personalities including Nar Bahadur Dahal, P Arjun, Gyanendra Khatiwada, Lok Nath Chapagai, Mukti Baral and others are invited as special guests. After the inauguration Bhasha Diwas will be observed followed by cultural show.

By Prashant Achary
Source : khabartaja2
 
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