21/08/2025
34th Nepali Bhasa Diwas Celebration 2025
The 34th Nepali Bhasa Diwas, 2025 was celebrated at the auditorium hall of S.L. Dow Gyatso Kazi Senior Secondary School, Mangalbaria, organised by Sphuran Sahitya Prakashan (Mangalbaria) and the Nepali Language Recognition Day Celebration Committee 2025 (Mangalbaria).
The Chief Minister of Sikkim, Mr. Prem Singh Tamang, graced the event as the Chief Guest, while Dr. Gokul Sinha attended as the Special Guest.
In his address, the Chief Minister congratulated the organising committee for successfully hosting the programme. He emphasised that preserving a language is equivalent to preserving humankind itself, underlining the importance of cultural and linguistic heritage. He recalled the historic journey of the recognition of the Nepali language in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution and highlighted the need to promote Nepali and other regional languages through modern digital platforms.
He further informed the gathering that the State Government is actively pursuing the inclusion of Lepcha, Bhutia, and Limboo languages in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution.
Making a significant announcement, the Chief Minister declared that on 20th August 2026, the State Government will felicitate Late Mr. Nar Bahadur Bhandari (Former Chief Minister) and Mrs. Dil Kumari Bhandari (Former Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha) for their immense contributions towards the recognition of the Nepali language.
Addressing the proposals submitted by the organising committee, he assured full support from the Government. He also announced that the remaining 990 beneficiaries from every constituency will be provided assistance under the Aama Shashaktikaran Yojana on 17th September 2025, to mark the birthday of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi.
The Chief Minister further declared that from 2026 onwards, Bhasa Diwas will be celebrated at the District Level, ensuring wider participation and recognition of Sikkim’s linguistic diversity.
The Special Guest, Dr. Gokul Sinha, in his address, highlighted the formation of the Bharatiya Nepali Rashtriya Parisad under the leadership of its President, Late Mr. Nar Bahadur Bhandari. He acknowledged the contribution of the people of Sikkim to the historic recognition of the Nepali language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution. Dr. Sinha also appreciated the role of Sikkim University in encouraging young students to learn and preserve regional languages, thereby strengthening the cultural and linguistic fabric of the State.
Mr. Santosh Kr Allay, ADC-II (Soreng) cm President of the Nepali Language Recognition Day Celebration Committee 2025 (Mangalbaria), recited his poem “Mangalmai Mangalbarey.” He also shared a brief history of Dr. Gokul Sinha, expressed gratitude for his presence, and highlighted the history and establishment of Sphuran Sahitya Prakashan (Mangalbaria), elaborating on its various initiatives. He recalled the revolutionary efforts of the literary fraternity and dignitaries in the movement for Nepali Language Recognition.
The Chief Guest was felicitated by the organising committee with flowers, traditional ornaments, and a Felicitation Letter.
On the occasion, Certificates of Appreciation were presented by the Chief Guest to toppers in various languages:
1. Mr. Yogesh Rai
2. Ms. Sujala Rana
3. Mr. Namdol Lepcha
4. Ms. Chodenla Sherpa
5. Ms. Chunu Lepcha
Certificates of Felicitation for dedication in their respective fields were also presented to:
1. Ms. Nimita Gurung (Footballer)
2. Ms. Gyurmi Dolma Tamang (Footballer)
3. Mr. Manoj Mukhia (Educator)
4. Mrs. Bhimit Lepcha (Educator)
5. Mr. Phetu Tshering Bhutia (Social Activist)
The Chief Minister’s Discretionary Grants were distributed to:
Sanjeevani Sahitya Maanch (Gelling–Samsing)
Middle Gelling Nava Jyoti Gram Sudhar Sangh
A quiz competition was also held, in which K.B. Limboo Senior Secondary School, Sribadam, emerged victorious. The Chief Guest handed over the prizes and certificates to the winners. Additionally, a poetry recitation competition was conducted in various languages including Manger, Gurung, Tamang, Rai, Limboo, Lepcha, Bhutia, and Nepali.
The event was attended by MLAs, Vice Chairperson (ITS), Advisors, Chairpersons, Zilla Adakshya, Upa-Adakshya, Former MLAs, Secretaries, IGP (Law and Order), APS Soreng, OSDs, DC Soreng, SP Soreng, ADCs, ADC (Development), SDMs, HODs, and officials from various line departments.
