Sikkim celebrates 209th Bhanu Jayanti

Governor, CM highlights cultural importance of celebrating the Adikavi

GANGTOK, (IPR): Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, and Smt. Krishna Rai graced the State-level 209th Bhanu Jayanti celebration at Bhanu Path, Zero Point. The event was organised by the Nepali Sahitya Parishad (NSP) Sikkim under the banner of 'Hamro Asthitva: Hamro Chinari'.

On the occasion of Bhanu Jayanti, the minister and also the chairman of today's organising committee, Sonam Lama welcomed everyone and expressed his heartiest greetings. He said that Bhanu Jayanti is an annual cultural holiday that Nepalis observe worldwide in honour of the birth anniversary of Bhanubhakta Acharya.

As a mark of respect for Adikavi's contribution to literature, the dignitaries and officials presented a garland to his bust on the special occasion.

The Governor, Lakshman Prasad Acharya, in his address extended his greetings to the people of Sikkim on the occasion of 209th Bhanu Jyanti and lauded the organising committee, Nepali Sahitya Parishad for organising the wonderful event.

During his speech, the Governor highlighted the significant contributions made by Adikavi Bhanu Bhakta to the Nepali culture. His translation of the Ramayana from Sanskrit into Nepali language is an astounding accomplishment, he stated.

Bhanu Jayanti is not just a one-day celebration but also an event to promote culture, literature, and traditions, he said.

Further, he stated that Bhanu Bhakta's significant contributions to Nepali literature proved essential in strengthening the field of literature.

The Governor encouraged the youth to acknowledge the legacies of Bhanu Bhakta and carry it further for the enhancement of society and the nation at large. Likewise, he highlighted the necessity of protecting and developing local culture as culture is an integral part of one's individuality. Additionally, he lauded the Sikkim government for their notable efforts to preserve literature, culture, and heritage.

In his address, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang extended his heartiest congratulations and best wishes for good health, happiness, peace and prosperity to the Governor of Sikkim and to the people of Sikkim on the occasion of 209th Bhanu Jayanti.  He also appreciated the Nepali Sahitya Parishad for organising such a great event.

He mentioned that Aadikavi Bhanu Bhakta Acharya had stated, “Spirituality, meditation and devotion of almighty god are the means of attending perpetual peace. Those individuals take joy of life and beyond too whoever reminds the grace of god in every breathing”.

He has imparted invaluable wisdom to this world in his every verse of compositions, the Chief Minister added.

According to him, the purpose of celebrating Bhanu Jayanti each year is to maintain the historical value of our traditions and culture. He shed light on Adikavi Bhanubhakta's contribution to Nepali literature by mentioning his enormous contribution, the Ramayana's Sanskrit to Nepali translation, which has had a significant impact on Nepali literature and culture and acts as an inspiration for all communities.

Likewise, the Chief Minister emphasised the value of language and how it can be used and urged the students to give their native language the highest priority and become fluent in it. He suggested the individuals to remember the outstanding legacy of Bhanu Bhakta Acharya and adhere to the principles he taught.

He stated, it is enlightening to talk about the essence of Ramayana, that says, “victory of good over evil and light over darkness”. It proves that the ego of the materialistic world never sustains ever. The Chief Minister also said, 'we can live a balanced and successful life if we could practise inspiring lifestyles from the characters of Ramayana'. 

Further he said, Aadikavi had struggled against challenges and continued to work in order to prepare an invaluable legacy of literature.

In his address, the Chief Minister also paid tribute to Lt. Nar Bahadur Bhandari, the former Chief Minister of Sikkim, for his remarkable contributions to the growth of literature and culture in the state.

The Chief Minister concluded by extending his sincere gratitude to the Governor for his valuable presence and extended his best wishes to all the awardees for their contribution and commitment towards preserving art and culture.

Earlier, the Governor and the Chief Minister honoured celebrated writer Thiru Prasad Nepal for being selected as the recipient of the Bhanu Puraskar 2023.

 Also honoured were the present authors, singers, and actors from Nepal, Assam, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Doors.

The Chief Minister presented the grant-in-aid to the members of Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Sikkim for their consistent service towards the conservation and preservation of literature and encouraged them to carry it further.