Kalimpong organizations demand renaming of Town Hall and upholding of Nepali language in official use

DARJEELING,: Various political and social organizations in Kalimpong jointly raised a demand for upholding of Nepali language in official use along with the official renaming of Kalimpong Town Hall to “Ramkrishna Ranga Manch.” This call was voiced by a delegation comprising 23 different social and political entities alongside literary figures.

Mohan Poudel, the president of CPRM’s Kalimpong zonal committee, asserted the pressing need for this change. “We wanted to meet the Kalimpong DM to advocate for the use of Nepali language in government offices. However, due to the ongoing model code of conduct, our meeting could not take place,” Poudel stated.

Poudel alleged that the current West Bengal government was trying to suppress Nepali language by predominantly using Bengali in official capacities.

He emphasized the historical struggle for the recognition of the Nepali language, tracing its origins back to 1956.  

Poudel condemned the alleged suppression of Nepali language and community, citing the absence of Nepali language hoardings.   “We can see no hoardings in Nepali language with Bengali language being used in most places which we feel is a conspiracy to end our language and community. We request the administration that whatever official work is done through Nepali language,” he said adding that they would submit memorandums to the Kalimpong Municipality along with the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration, the Panchayat Samity and the Gram Panchayat.

Furthermore, the CPRM leader advocated for the official naming of the Kalimpong Town Hall after retired Gorkha Calcutta High Court Judge Ram Krishna Sharma. He issued a warning that failure to address their demands would lead to escalated actions.

Among the political parties present today were CPRM, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, Gorkha National Liberation Front, Gorkhaland Rajya Nirman Morcha, BJP and Congress. . Additionally, representatives from organizations like Bar Association of Kalimpong, Krishak Kalyan Sangathan and Gorkha Gaurav Sansthan joined the delegation in support of these demands.  

The collective voice of these organizations echoes a deep-rooted sentiment within the Kalimpong community, seeking linguistic recognition and cultural representation through official channels.