Gurukul ashram facing existential crisis

Panchthar, December 25

Mechi Zone’s first Gurukul Braham Yogashram in Jorpokhari is facing an existential crisis due to security reasons and lack of infrastructure.

Unidentified groups are said to have assaulted the students of the ashram. Though the ashram was brought into operation in 1983 BS with permission from Panchthar District Education Office, persistent attacks by unidentified groups have cast a shadow over its existence.

Yogeswor Upadhyay, teacher at the ashram, said conspiracies were being hatched to humiliate the ashram’s students.

Upadhyay complained that they had to retaliate against the unidentified people who threatened and manhandled the students frequently. Gurukul Management Committee Chairman Nitiraj Regmi said attacks were being made from various quarters against Sanskrit language.

He demanded that those involved in humiliating the ashram’s students be booked.

DSP Krishna Prasad Koirala of Panchthar District Police Office said they were preparing to set up a police unit near the ashram for security. Courses such as Chandi, Rudri, Ved, Grammar and Kaumadi are taught in the ashram.

Panchthar DEO has allocated one teacher and two staffers for the ashram that has 11 residential students.

Upadhyay said money and crops, such as rice, offered during various rituals were being used to feed the students. Graduates from ashram leave for Vidyapeeth in Jhapa or Banaras in India to pursue their higher studies.