Minister Gurung urges all to be alert to possible encroachment on language, culture

Kathmandu, Nov 11: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, has said ethnic goodwill is strength and one should be aware of any potential linguistic and cultural encroachments.     

In his address to a programme organised by the Padma Ratna Tuladhar Lumati Guthi, marking the memorial day of the national luminary and founder of Nepal Sambat, Shankhadhar Sakhwa here today, the Minister highlighted the significance of unity among religious, cultural, and ethnic diversities in Nepal.     

"The society where people are culturally united is a very strong one. Anyone intending to weaken that society, the first attack will be made on culture," the Minister said.     

Nationalism should not be searched in any boundary. The nationality must be sought in each face of the Nepali citizens.     

"Home is the first school for language conservation. The languages of various ethnic groups which are no longer in common practice, not taught in schools, lack literary development, and have no formal grammar should be conserved starting from home," he stressed.     

The Spokesperson for the government pledged to further promote the importance of Nepal Sambat.     

"The United Nations has recognized Nepal as a country with a rich linguistic diversity. The importance of Nepal Bhasha and the Nepal Mandal will always be upheld and promoted by the State," he stated.     

Kathmandu Metropolis Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol stressed the need for the government to focus more on the conservation of Nepal Bhasha and other indigenous languages across the country.     

Guthi Chair and former Minister Keshab Man Shakya was of the view that the government leadership should draw inspiration from Sakhwa's discipline, his role in promoting social justice, and his crisis management skills.     

He also praised the Ministry and the Minister for their initiative to launch the dissemination of news bulletins in Nepal Bhasha through the National News Agency (RSS). (RSS)