• 76th Republic Day of India
Nepali is more than just the official language of Nepal; it is a bridge of shared heritage, culture, and identity between Nepal and India. Spoken widely in India's northeastern states, particularly Sikkim, West Bengal, and Assam, Nepali holds a place of pride in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution, affirming its status as one of India's recognised languages. Here's a closer look at the significance of Nepali in India, its historical roots, and efforts to preserve and nurture this beautiful language.
Interesting Facts about the Nepali Language in India
Nepali is a language that thrives vibrantly within India, reflecting the deep cultural and historical ties between India and Nepal. Over 2.9 million people in India speak Nepali as their mother tongue, making it a prominent regional language. Sikkim is the only Indian state where Nepali serves as the lingua franca, while regions such as Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong in West Bengal, along with parts of Assam, host vibrant Nepali-speaking communities, enriching the cultural fabric of these areas.
The recognition of Nepali in the Indian Constitution in 1992 marked a pivotal moment in its journey. Its inclusion in the 8th Schedule granted the language's official status, ensuring its protection and promotion. This milestone was the culmination of tireless efforts by the Nepali-speaking community in India and their leaders, highlighting the importance of language in the country's diverse linguistic landscape.
The roots of Nepali in India stretch back centuries and are tied to migration, trade, and cultural exchange between the two nations. The Gorkha soldiers, who served with distinction in India's armed forces and the broader Nepali diaspora, have significantly contributed to enriching the linguistic and cultural identity of the regions where they settled.
Nepali literature has flourished in India, with Darjeeling emerging as a key literary hub. Esteemed writers such as Indra Bahadur Rai and Agam Singh Giri have left a profound impact, earning accolades and fostering a rich literary connection between India and Nepal. Their works continue to inspire readers and strengthen the shared cultural heritage.
Nepali language films made by filmmakers from Kalimpong, Darjeeling Sikkim, and the Dooars, have been received warmly by audiences of both India and Nepal. The classic Kusume Rumaal helmed by Kalimpong-born Tulsi Ghimire was a superhit across the border lines. It starred Bhuwan KC along with Tripti Nadakar, Udit Narayan Jha, and Neer Shah. Jha has gone on to become a Bollywood playback singing legend. Similarly, films like Samjhana (starring KC and Nadakar) made by Samsing's (tea estate) Shambhu Pradhan was another huge hit. It had music by the legendary Ranjit Gazmer, a musician handpicked by another legend RD Burman for his orchestra, and the iconic Binod Pradhan as the film's cinematographer. Ghimire's tear-jerker of a romance Darpan Chhaaya starred Nepal's Dilip Rayamajhi, Sikkim's Uttam Pradhan and Darjeeling's Niruta Singh in the lead roles. Such films among many others have helped foster cross-border friendship and a sense of belongingness between the people of the two nations.
Cultural celebrations further underscore the significance of Nepali in India. Festivals such as Dashain, Tihar, and Maghe Sankranti, widely celebrated by Nepali-speaking communities, embody traditions that resonate across borders. These festivities bring people together and serve as a testament to the shared heritage and enduring bond between India and Nepal.
India has made significant efforts to preserve and nurture the Nepali language, recognising its cultural and historical importance as a shared heritage between the two nations. In education, Nepali has found a firm place in the curriculum of schools and universities, particularly in regions with substantial Nepali-speaking populations, such as Sikkim and West Bengal. Institutions like Sikkim University and North Bengal University have established departments dedicated to Nepali studies, offering degrees that promote deeper academic engagement with the language. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 further supports this effort by emphasising regional languages, creating opportunities to expand Nepali education across India.
Media has also played a pivotal role in sustaining the vibrancy of the Nepali language. The All India Radio and Doordarshan broadcast regular Nepali-language programmes, bringing the language to diverse audiences and keeping it alive in the public consciousness. Print media, too, contributes significantly, with newspapers and magazines like Hamro Prajashakti and Himalaya Darpan providing a platform for Nepali expression and dialogue. This ensures that the language remains relevant and accessible in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Cultural preservation in India has further strengthened the status of Nepali. Festivals and events celebrating Nepali heritage are supported and celebrated across communities, allowing the Nepali-speaking population to take pride in their identity while fostering cross-cultural understanding. Scholarships for Nepali-speaking students further enable them to pursue higher education, contributing to the growth and continuity of their language and culture.
Nepali literature and the arts have also thrived in India. Grants and awards encourage writers and artists to create works that reflect the richness of the language and its traditions. Translation projects, often facilitated by the Sahitya Akademi, have brought Nepali literary treasures to a broader audience while making Indian classics accessible to Nepali readers, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and creativity.
In West Bengal, regional initiatives like the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) actively advocate for preserving and promoting the Nepali language, cultivating a strong sense of pride and identity among local communities. These efforts are complemented by India's national commitment to celebrating linguistic diversity, ensuring that Nepali remains an integral part of the cultural mosaic.
Through these multifaceted efforts, India demonstrates its deep respect for the Nepali language as a vital part of its shared history and cultural heritage. These initiatives preserve and promote Nepali and reinforce the enduring bonds between the people of India and Nepal, ensuring that this beautiful language continues to thrive and evolve for generations to come.
