Gorkha communities in Mokokchung and Chümoukedima celebrated the 212th Bhanu Jayanti with cultural and literary events.
MOKOKCHUNG/DIMAPUR — The 212th Bhanu Jayanti was observed with cultural and literary programmes in Mokokchung and Chümoukedima on Monday, commemorating the life and literary legacy of Adikavi Bhanu Bhakta Acharya, a pioneer of Nepali literature.
Mokokchung: In Mokokchung, the celebration was organised by the Gorkha Students' Union, Mokokchung (GSUM), at the Town Hall.
Additional Deputy Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Mokokchung Municipal Council Atsungba Walling attended the event as the special guest.
In his address, he appreciated the Gorkha community for preserving its rich cultural heritage and highlighted the importance of literature and language in fostering unity and mutual respect among different communities.
Walling remarked that they are not just celebrating Bhanu Jayanti but celebrating the spirit of community built on mutual trust and unity. He recalled the arrival of the Gorkha forefathers in Mokokchung and lauded their shared commitment to peaceful coexistence with the Ao community.
He encouraged the younger generation to remain connected to their roots, preserve their language and culture, and continue fostering harmony among communities.
The guest of honour, Ganesh Rai, Managing Director of Lotus English Boarding School, Dharan, Nepal, also addressed the gathering. He spoke on the legacy of Bhanu Bhakta Acharya and encouraged the younger generation to uphold their linguistic and cultural traditions while contributing positively to society.
The celebration featured cultural performances, songs, recitations, and other presentations. HSLC and HSSLC toppers were also felicitated, and prizes from a literary event held prior to Bhanu Jayanti were presented to the winners.
Chümoukedima: The Gorkha Students' Union Chümoukedima District (GSUCD) celebrated the day at the CTC Hall in Chümoukedima town.
The programme was attended by Thepfulhoutuo Shüya, former Chairman of the Chümoukedima Town Council (CTC), as the chief guest, according to a press release.
Watila Rashmi Subba, former Vice President of the Ethnic Group of Nagaland (EGoN) and recipient of the District Award for Social Work (HIV Awareness), attended as the special invitee, while Shibu Sunar, former President of the Gorkha Students' Union Dimapur, was the guest of honour.
The celebration featured cultural dances, the recitation of the famous Ghansi poem, a Khukuri Dance by the Singrijan and Khopanala Youth Association (SKYA), and a musical performance by classical singer Suraj Bhujel. Jacob Sundas, Working President of Chümoukedima Town Gorkha Youth, proposed the vote of thanks.
A major highlight of the day was a solidarity gathering organised by the GSUCD to express support for the minor survivor in a recent alleged sexual assault case.
Members of the Gorkha community, students, youth, women, and various civil society organisations assembled to condemn all forms of violence against children and demand speedy justice and stringent punishment for the accused.