The Gorkha community in Nagaland celebrated the 212th Bhanu Jayanti with cultural programmes in Mokokchung and Chümoukedima on Monday, paying tribute to Adikavi Bhanu Bhakta Acharya, the pioneer of Nepali literature, while reaffirming the importance of preserving language, culture and social harmony.
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 Mokokchung Municipal Council, Atsungba Walling, attended as the special guest.
Addressing the gathering, Walling said the occasion was not only a celebration of Bhanu Jayanti but also “the spirit of community, built on mutual trust and unity.” Recalling the arrival of Gorkha settlers in Mokokchung, he lauded the long-standing relationship between the Gorkha and Ao communities, describing it as an example of peaceful coexistence strengthened through mutual respect, family ties and inter-community marriages.
He also paid tribute to his former teacher, B.B. Gurung, and encouraged the younger generation to remain connected to their roots by preserving their language and cultural heritage while continuing to promote harmony among communities.
Guest of honour Ganesh Rai, Managing Director of Lotus English Boarding School, Dharan, Nepal, highlighted the enduring legacy of Bhanu Bhakta Acharya and urged young people to uphold their linguistic and cultural traditions while contributing positively to society.
The programme featured cultural performances, songs, poetry recitations and literary presentations celebrating the life and works of Bhanu Bhakta Acharya, whose Nepali translation of the Ramayana made the epic accessible to ordinary people. HSLC and HSSLC toppers were felicitated, while prizes were also distributed to winners of literary competitions held ahead of the celebration.
In Chümoukedima, the Gorkha Students’ Union Chümoukedima District (GSUCD) organised a similar celebration at CTC Hall, bringing together members of the Gorkha community, students, youth organisations, women, social leaders and well-wishers.
Former Chümoukedima Town Council chairman Thepfulhoutuo Shüya attended as the chief guest, while former Ethnic Group of Nagaland vice president Watila Rashmi Subba was the special invitee and former Gorkha Students’ Union Dimapur president Shibu Sunar attended as guest of honour.
The celebration began with a floral tribute to Bhanu Bhakta Acharya, followed by cultural dances, recitation of the renowned Ghansi poem, a Khukuri dance performed by the Singrijan and Khopanala Youth Association, and a special musical performance by classical singer Suraj Bhujel. Speakers highlighted the literary contributions of Bhanu Bhakta Acharya and stressed the need to preserve the Nepali language, culture and heritage.
A major highlight of the programme 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 civil society organisations condemned violence against children and demanded speedy justice, stringent punishment for the accused and stronger measures to ensure child safety.
Speakers said the ideals of Bhanu Bhakta Acharya, including “truth, justice, compassion and social harmony,” remain relevant and should inspire society to stand united against injustice while safeguarding the dignity and rights of children.
The celebrations at both venues concluded with a renewed commitment to cultural preservation, community harmony and social responsibility.
