23/08/2025
“Speaking Nepali doesn’t make Us Nepali, just like speaking English doesn’t make you British. Nepali is an Indian language, recognized by our Constitution, and we Gorkhas have shed blood for India. We belong here as much as anyone else.”
1. Constitutional and Legal Recognition in India
Article 344(1) and the 8th Schedule of the Constitution of India recognizes Nepali as an official Indian language (since 1992).
If Nepali is an Indian language, then its speakers are Indian citizens—not outsiders.
You don’t tell a Kannada speaker to “go to Karnataka” when they live in Delhi; the same applies to Nepali speakers across India.
2. Historical Roots
Indian Nepalis (Gorkhas) have lived in Darjeeling, Assam, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal, Manipur, etc. for centuries—long before the modern boundaries of India and Nepal were even drawn.
Many regions (like Darjeeling, Sikkim, Dooars) were integrated into India in the 19th and 20th centuries, and Nepali speakers have been living there as original inhabitants.
3. Global Perspective
Around the world, language ≠ nationality.
Spanish is spoken in Spain, but also in Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, etc. A Mexican is not told “go to Spain.”
English is spoken in the UK, USA, India, Australia—but an Indian who speaks English is not told to “go to England.”
French is spoken in France, Canada, Belgium, many African countries. A Canadian Francophone is not “French.”
Similarly, Nepali is spoken both in India and Nepal. Speaking the language does not define nationality.
4. Patriotism and Contribution
Indian Gorkhas have fought in every war for India—from the freedom struggle to 1962, 1971, Kargil, and today.
They are known for loyalty and courage: “Bharat ke Gorkha, Bharat ke Rakshak.”
Thousands of Gorkhas serve in the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, police, and civil services. Their sacrifices prove their Indianness beyond doubt.
5. Identity Beyond Borders
Just like Punjabis live in both India and Pakistan, Tamils live in both India and Sri Lanka, and Bengalis live in both India and Bangladesh, Nepalis live in both India and Nepal.
This doesn’t erase the national identity of Indian Nepalis. They are Indians by citizenship, culture, and contribution.
