Namchi, July 13(IPR): Dakshin Sikkim Sahitya Sammelan in collaboration with District Administrative Centre Namchi celebrated the 210th Bhanu Jayanti with great ardent at The Officers’ Club, Namchi, today.
The programme had the gracious presence of Mr Boj Raj Rai Minister Urban Development Department as the Chief Guest. He was accompanied by Mr Tek Bahadur Gurung (Tami) as the Special Guest, Mr Ganesh Rai Chairman NMC, Ms Anupa Tamling DC Namchi, Mr Subash Ghimirey ADC (HQ), Dr CP Rai ADC (RDD) Namchi, Mr Gopal Kumar Chettri SDM (HQ), Mr Saran Kalikotay SDM Namchi, Officers, HOIs along with Teachers and students of various schools and colleges under Namchi district and members of DSSS.
The programme commenced by offering homage to Adhikavi Bhanubhakta Acharya followed by Shova Yatra from Bhanu Saheli to the Officer's Club.
As a tribute to Adhikavi Bhanubhakta Acharya on his 210th birth anniversary, various competition among the students of schools and colleges was conducted by the committee members at the Officers' Club. With the motive of developing interest in Nepali language among the students Ramayan Paath, Poem Recitation, Extempore and Painting competition was held during the programme. Also to give equal importance to the native language, an open Poem Recitation was held in Bhutia, Lepcha, Rai, Tamang, Limboo and Mangar languages.
Mr Bhoj Raj Rai, in his address, applauded the organising committee for their commitment to making the occasion remarkable. He briefed the audience about the importance of Bhanu Bhakta Acharya in the recognition of the Nepali language and his contribution to translating the Ramayan into Nepali literature.
He also encouraged the students to preserve and safeguard our culture and traditions and to be well aware of one's heritage. He added that the children of this generation need to be aware of the growing diversity.
Further, he encouraged them to be socially and educationally informed about the historical background of each language as every language has its own essence and importance. He also envisioned for larger celebration of Bhanu Jayanti in the years to come and assured full support and cooperation from the government.
During the occasion, Ms Anupa Tamling extended her gratitude towards the dedication of the committee members. She emphasised the contribution of Adhikavi Bhanubhakta in the transformation of the Nepali language and urged the younger generations to safeguard and value their language.
She focused on imparting the significance of the Nepali language and encouraged the children to give equal importance to their mother tongue.
Highlighting the dedication of the early poets, she motivated to make a benchmark for the young poets and authors.
Furthermore, Mr Ganesh Chettri Vice President DSSS reflected on the significance of the celebration of Bhanu Jayanti in the state. He stated that every year 13th of July is celebrated as Bhanu Jayanti to commemorate the birth anniversary of the Poet also known as Adikavvi Bhanubhakta Acharya. He reiterated the Nepali translation of Ramayan which was published in the year 1887 making it the first ever Nepali epic.
As a sign of gratitude, mementos were presented to the chief guest, special guest and other dignitaries by the committee members.
The winners of the various competitions organised today were as follows:
• Ramayan Recitation – PM Shri Girl’s Senior Secondary School
• Poem Recitation – Ms Ninamma Rai ( NPS)
• Painting Competition- Ms Ashmi Rai ( PM Shri GSSS)
• Extempore Speech – Mr Krishna Sharma ( Namchi Govt College)
The programme concluded with the prize distribution to the winners of the competition as well as to all the participants.