On Bhanu Jayanti, Governor calls for preservation of Nepali language

ISABELLA GURUNG

GANGTOK, : The State-level Bhanu Jayanti celebration in Gangtok was held in a subdued manner this year following the demise of eminent literary figure and Padma Shri recipient Gadul Singh Lama, popularly known as Sanu Lama, who passed away on Saturday.

Governor Om Prakash Mathur and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang along with ministers, officials and members of the public offered floral tributes to Bhanubhakta Acharya at BhanuUdyan here.

The Governor, in his address, paid tribute to Bhanubhakta and highlighted his contributions to the development of Nepali language. He said that BhanuJayanti is not merely a cultural celebration but it also serves to unite the entire Nepali society. He called for everyone to preserve and promote such events, stating that only if a language survives will the traditions and values remain alive.

The Governor termed Sanu Lama’s death as an irreparable loss to Sikkimese Nepali literature. He acknowledged the contribution of Lama to Sikkim’s Nepali language propagation, literature promotion and for giving the timeless classic “JahaBagchaTeestaRangeet.”

The event’s cultural programmes and award distributions were postponed as a mark of respect.

Shankar DeoDhakal, who was to be conferred the BhanuPuraskar this year, delivered a tribute to Sanu Lama, calling him “a guardian figure in Nepali literature and a mentor to many.” He recalled how Lama’s influence extended far beyond writing. “He was a poet, lyricist, storyteller and travel writer. More than that, he was someone who shaped the literary consciousness of Sikkim.”

He further highlighted Lama’s contributions to Sikkim’s development, noting his key role in the water supply reforms during the Nar Bahadur Bhandari era and his leadership as the first general secretary of Bharatiya Nepali RashtriyaParishad, where he advocated for the constitutional recognition of the Nepali language.

Dhakal added that Lama’s composition of the early State song “JahaBagchaTeestaRangeet” in the 1970s remains one of his most loved legacies. “It captured the soul of Sikkim and still resonates with our identity,” he said.

HariDhungel, president of Nepali SahityaParishad Sikkim, said the entire fraternity was in shock. “We had prepared for a grand celebration, but with this sudden loss, we chose to scale it down and turn it into a solemn tribute,” he said.

All awards including the BhanuPuraskar, Bhasha Gaurav Samman and PadapPuraskarSevaSamman will now be presented on August 20 during the Nepali BhashaManyataDiwas celebrations.