Officials along with the participants during the 212th birth anniversary of Adikavi Bhanubhakta Acharya at CTC Hall in Chümoukedima on July 13. (Photo Courtesy: GSUCD)
Chümoukedima, July 13 (MExN): The 212th birth anniversary of Adikavi Bhanubhakta Acharya, regarded as the pioneer of Nepali literature, was celebrated in Chümoukedima and Mokokchung on Monday with cultural programmes, literary tributes and calls for social harmony and justice.
In Chümoukedima, the Gorkha Students' Union Chümoukedima District (GSUCD) organised the celebration at the Chümoukedima Town Council (CTC) Hall, drawing participation from members of the Gorkha community, students, youth organisations, women's groups, social leaders and well-wishers.
Former Chümoukedima Town Council chairman Thepfulhoutuo Shüya attended as the chief guest, while former Ethnic Group of Nagaland (EGoN) vice-president and District Award recipient for social work (HIV awareness) Watila Rashmi Subba was the special invitee. Former Gorkha Students' Union Dimapur president Shibu Sunar was the guest of honour.
The first session, chaired by Chümoukedima District Gorkha Union general secretary John Dornal Chettri, began with a floral tribute to Bhanubhakta Acharya. GSUCD president Ajay Thapa delivered the welcome address.
The programme featured cultural dances, recitation of the Ghansi poem, a Khukuri Dance by the Singrijan and Khopanala Youth Association (SKYA), and a musical performance by classical singer Suraj Bhujel.
Addressing the gathering, the dignitaries highlighted the literary contributions of Bhanubhakta Acharya and stressed the need to preserve the Nepali language, culture and heritage. The session concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Chümoukedima Town Gorkha Youth working president Jacob Sundas.
A major highlight of the celebration was a solidarity gathering organised by GSUCD in support of the minor survivor in a recent alleged sexual assault case.
Members of the Gorkha community, students, youth, women and representatives of various civil society organisations condemned violence against children and demanded speedy justice, stringent punishment for the accused in accordance with the law and stronger measures to ensure the safety and protection of children.
Participants carried placards bearing messages such as "Justice for the Minor Survivor", "Protect Every Child", "Stop Child Sexual Abuse" and "Silence Protects Abusers, Speak Up". Speakers said the ideals of Bhanubhakta Acharya—truth, justice, compassion and social harmony—should inspire citizens to stand united against injustice while safeguarding the dignity and rights of children.
Meanwhile, the Gorkha Students' Union, Mokokchung (GSUM), celebrated the 212th Bhanu Jayanti at the Town Hall, Mokokchung, with members of the Gorkha community, students, dignitaries and well-wishers participating in the event.
Additional Deputy Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of Mokokchung Municipal Council, Atsungba Walling, attended as the special guest.
In his address, Walling appreciated the Gorkha community for preserving its rich cultural heritage and highlighted the role of literature and language in fostering unity and mutual respect among different communities.
He said the celebration reflected the spirit of a community built on mutual trust and unity, recalling the arrival of the Gorkha forefathers in Mokokchung and their long-standing peaceful coexistence with the Ao community. He said the bond between the two communities, strengthened through mutual respect, family ties and inter-community marriages, remained an example of communal harmony.
Walling also paid tribute to his former teacher and mentor, B.B. Gurung, saying the merit award instituted in his honour was a fitting recognition of his service. He urged the younger generation to preserve their language and culture while continuing to promote harmony among communities and uphold the legacy of Bhanubhakta Acharya.
Managing Director of Lotus English Boarding School, Dharan, Nepal, Ganesh Rai, who attended as the guest of honour, spoke on the enduring legacy of Bhanubhakta Acharya and encouraged the youth to preserve their linguistic and cultural traditions while contributing positively to society.
The programme featured cultural performances, songs, recitations and other presentations showcasing the heritage of the Nepali-speaking community. Participants paid tribute to Bhanubhakta Acharya, whose Nepali translation of the Ramayana made the epic accessible to ordinary people and earned him the title of Adikavi.
HSLC and HSSLC toppers were felicitated during the programme, while prizes were also distributed to winners of literary competitions held in the run-up to the celebration.
