GTA chief calls for unified celebration of BhanuJayanti and BhasaDiwas after low turnout at BhanuJayanti events

DARJEELING, :On the occasion of the 211th BhanuJayanti, Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) chief executive AnitThapa urged the community to celebrate the occasion more grandly alongside the upcoming BhasaDiwas. He emphasized that both events are crucial in preserving the traditions, language and culture of the region.

The celebration was organized by the GTA Information and Cultural department in collaboration with Nepali Akademi. Held at the GorkhaRangaManch, the event included recitations of Bhanubhakta's literary works and an award ceremony recognizing individuals for their contributions in various fields.

Addressing the gathering, AnitThapa said, “Whoever first initiated the celebration of BhanuJayanti must have intended it to preserve our traditions and offer the community a cultural festival. It should be celebrated in a grand manner. However, we notice that participation remains low.”

Thapa suggested holding competitions in schools leading up to BhanuJayanti to increase engagement, with the finals scheduled on the anniversary itself.

Expressing disappointment over a low turnout at another BhanuJayanti programme organized by Nepali SahityaSammelan at Chowrasta, he said, “Only around 15 people were present. Instead of scattered programs, we should organize one grand, collective celebration in Darjeeling, regardless of who leads it.”

He also pointed out the lack of proper organization for BhasaDiwas and reiterated his full support for such cultural initiatives to ensure they do not fade away. “These efforts are essential to safeguard our heritage,” he said.

Adding to this, AnosThapa, Sabhashad of the GTA Information and Culture department, announced that BhasaDiwas programs will commence on August 20 and continue till August 31, with plans to involve students more actively.

AnitThapa also announced two new awards in honour of novelist Prakash Kovid, who is credited with cultivating a reading habit in the Nepali language through his novels, and another renowned singer Heera Devi Waiba.

At the event, five awards were conferred. The ‘Bhanu Bhakta SmritiPuraskar’ was presented toliterary figure Nanda Hangkhim, ‘PadriGangaprasad Pradhan SmritiPuraskar’for journalism to PramodGiri, ‘D.B. PariyarSmritiPuraskar’for theatre and cinema to TekBahadur Bareilly, ‘G. Douglas SmritiPuraskar’ for artto SidrathRai and ‘DhanbirMukhiaSmritiPuraskar’ (posthumous) for social work to late Pancharatna Pradhan of Kalimpong.