Conferences on Nepal Bhasa begin

Kathmandu, October 23:

Newar Non-Resident Nepalis today promised to support conservation of Nepal Bhasa language and Newar culture of the Kathmandu Valley.

“We are from all over the world. No matter where we live, we are committed to support the on-going movement of the Newars to protect our cultural identity,” said Dibya Ratna Hada, former chairman of Pasapuchha, a Newar organisation in the USA.

He said this today while addressing a function organised by Nepal Bhasha Academy.

The Newars in the USA are launching the ‘One Newar-one dollar a month’ campaign to collect funds to support promotion of Nepal Bhasa here, he said.

Chancellor of the Academy and culture expert Satya Mohan Joshi said there were Non-resident Nepalis as early as in the 13th century when Nepal’s artists were invited by the Chinese government.

“Arniko made a respected living in China. Thanks to his art and skills,” he said.

Meanwhile, today the 27th Nepal Bhasa Sahitya Ta Munjaya began in Bhaktapur.

Twenty seven girls lighted traditional lamps, 27 senior citizens played flutes while Bhaju Lata Suwal, grandfather of martyr Raj Kumar Suwal, inaugurated the conference.

Addressing the inaugural function, Bal Mukunda Basukala, president of conference organising committee said: “All the working class people should unite regardless of their languages and culture.”

He added that the two-day literature conference was not a programme only for Nepal Bhasa but for development of all languages.

People from different parts of Nepal recited poems and read out essays and stories in different languages. The conference was followed by cultural programme. Leaders from political parties, including Narayan Man Bijukchee, president of Nepal Workers’ and Peasants’ Party and senior litterateurs were also present in the conference.

Also today, the two-day 44th Birat Nepal Bhasa Literature Conference began in Bhaktapur.

During the conference, Sagun Maharjan from Kanya Mandir Secondary School was awarded with Nepal Bhasa Padak for scoring highest number in the optional Nepal Bhasa subject in the School Leaving Certificate in 2006. Similarly Newa Huwpa Khala, a cultural organisation, was awarded with Birat Sanskritik Sirapa award.

A workshop on Participatory Inclusive Loktantra and Constituent Assembly would be

organised tomorrow in which leaders from political parties would participate, the organisers said.