A moment during the 209th Bhanu Jayanti celebration organized by the Gorkha Students' Union Mokokchung at Town Hall on July 13. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima/Mokokchung/Chümoukedima | July 13
Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhütso, MLA, 9th Kohima Town Assembly Constituency today opined that the Gorkha community, besides other communities who settled in Kohima apart from Nagas made many contributions in shaping and upbringing the township of Kohima as to what it is today.
He was speaking at the 209th Birth Anniversary of Bhanubhakta Acharya (Bhanu Jayanti) at Multi Utility Hall, Gorkha Public Panchayat Complex in Kohima.
Bhanu Jayanti holds immense significance for the Nepalese people worldwide as it commemorates the renowned poet and writer Bhanubhakta Acharya, who is best known for translating the Hindu Holy Book Ramayana into Nepali and this year marks the 209th birth anniversary of poet Bhabu Bhakt Acharya.
Speaking of the Gorkha settlers in Nagaland especially in Kohima, he said the genesis of the existence of Gorkhas in Angami region was almost two centuries old and must have arrived after the advent of the Britishers or must have been brought for various other purposes.
During that time, the MLA said the Gorkha settlers were mostly engaged in Kohima as it was the headquarter of the then Naga Hills and most of the works were needed to be carried out here.
Rhütso described the Gorkha people to be amenable with affable nature. And this was also one reason why they automatically started mingling with the natives of different neighboring villages or Khels and later built good friendship.
"After the creation of such relations, the (Gorkhas) started settling down in different parts of Kohima. When the numbers of the Gorkha community grew into a sizeable number, the British government with the consent of a few neighboring villages and khels established two distinct Gorkha villages by the name of Chandmari and Aradhura which was prior to 2nd World War," he added.
"The Gorkhas are the only settlers in Kohima besides any other Nagas who have contributed as much as possible in shaping and upbringing of Kohima Township prior to the 2nd World War," he said.
Rhütso further mentioned that although many people from mainland India fled away from Kohima, the Gorkhas stood with the Angami brothers and sisters and faced the same troubles and turbulence, destruction and devastation.
Seeing such steadfast loyalty and sincerity of these Gorkhas, the Government of Nagaland declared them as Indigenous Non-Naga local residents of Nagaland in 2004," the speaker further added.
While adding that the relation between these two communities is time tested and go a long way, Rhütso urged the communities to remember the sacrifices made by the community and give back to the society and not take back what it given.
The brief life sketch of the Bhanubhakta Acharya was presented by Gyatri Devi, Former President, GPPK.
Earlier, Sudha Das Excellence Award was presented to Pabitra Dhakal, Little Flower Higher Secondary School, Kohima who secured 92% in HSLC examination.
The award was given to girl student amongst the Gorkha Community of Kohima securing highest percentage in HSLC community. She received Rs 50, 000 cash award and plate citation.
Two awards were also given to Rüzhükhrie Government Higher Secondary School, Kohima for excelling in HSLC examination.
The programme was organized by the Gorkha Sahitya Kala Sanstha, headed by the Gorkha Public Panchayat Kohima and supported by NGOs, clubs and Jatiya Sansthas. Prize distribution for various literary competition were given and special Nepali songs and dances were presented.
MOKOKCHUNG: The Gorkha Students' Union Mokokchung celebrated the 209th Bhanu Jayanti at Town Hall, Mokokchung. The event showcased the rich cultural heritage and literary prowess of the Nepali community.
The celebration was graced by Colonel Rahul Gurung Kirti Chakra, Commandant 12 Assam Rifles as chief guest, while Sushri Sangeeta Sharma , Principal, Jubilee Memorial School was the guest of honour.
In his speech, Colonel Rahul Gurung emphasised on the unity and to showcase an exemplary harmony, unity and mutual co-existence of Gorkha community. He acknowledged the effort put in organising the celebration.
Guest of honour, Sushri while delivering her address emphasised on human values, virtues and good deeds. She pointed out that it is valuable to have educational qualification but it is also significant that, we hold human values and virtues.
The celebrations included an array of events displaying the best of traditional attire and ornaments. Vibrant cultural dances and various arts like poetry recitation and songs were exhibited at the programme.
During the celebration, educationists, professionals in various fields from the Gorkha community were felicitated.
resentation and prize distribution was also done for a literary event that was held prior to the Bhanu Jayanti celebration programme.
The vibrant celebration witnessed a gathering of more than 500 attendees who were not only from Gorkha community but also invitees from various organisations and departments.
Chümoukedima: In Chümoukedima, the 209th birth anniversary celebration of poet Bhanu Bhakta Acharya was organized by the Gorkha Students’ Union Chümoukedima at CTC Hall Chümoukedima.
Dr Andrew Ahoto Sema, national general secretary, National People's Party; Chakhroma Public Organization president Zhato Kimho & Tezu Pradhan, Head GB, Singrijan & Khopanala Village and others during the 209th birth anniversary celebration of renowned poet Bhanu Bhakta Acharya at CTC Hall Chümoukedima.
Dr Andrew Ahoto Sema, national general secretary, National People's Party; Chakhroma Public Organization president, Zhato Kimho & Tezu Pradhan, Head GB, Singrijan & Khopanala Village graced the occasion as chief guest, guest of honour and special invitee.
Dr Andrew Ahoto, in his address, encouraged the youths to embrace technology while coexisting with our existing legacy and heritage. He urged the young generation to carry the heritage forward for the betterment of the society and nation. He emphasized that a nation prospers when its youth are empowered and strong.
Tezu Pradhan highlighted the unwavering dedication and perseverance of Bhanu Bhakta Acharya towards the Nepali language. He emphasized that Bhanu jyanti is not merely a program but a platform to showcase the diverse literary, artistic, and cultural aspects of our society.
Meanwhile, Zhato Kimho encouraged the Gorkha community to be unified and to continue building relationships with other communities.
GSUCD president, Jacob Sundas expressed his gratitude to all participants and attendees for their enthusiastic participation in celebrating the invaluable contributions of Bhanu Bhakta Acharya.
