Recognition of Gurung language with official status celebrated

BY OUR CORRESPONDENT,Lamjung, July 30: The Gurung community in Lamjung has celebrated the recognition of Gurung and Magar languages as official languages for governmental work in Gandaki Province. 

To mark the occasion, the Gurung people gathered in the district's headquarters, Besisahar, for a traditional Deepawali celebration. Organised by the Tamu Hula Chonj Dhi (Gurung National Council) Lamjung chapter, the event saw Gurung leaders, youth, and students come together at the Bhimsensthan Chowk in Besisahar on Monday evening. 

They lit oil lamps (mashals) in a symbolic gesture of joy and appreciation. The oil lamps were placed along the boundaries of Gandaki Province and its map, symbolising the recognition of the languages.

Besisahar Municipality Mayor Guman Singh Aryal and organiser Jeevraj Ghale, along with other participants, lit the lamps together. Following this, everyone took turns lighting their lamps. Mayor Aryal emphasised that the decision of the Gandaki provincial government would be implemented, and he pointed out that it is the duty and responsibility of every citizen to exercise their constitutional rights.

The Gurung community expressed their gratitude to the Gandaki Provincial Assembly for officially recognising Gurung and Magar languages for government work. However, they urged the provincial government to ensure that the use of these languages goes beyond just paperwork and is actively implemented in practice.

On July 8, the Gandaki Provincial Assembly passed a bill granting the status of official languages for governmental affairs in the province to both Gurung and Magar languages, in accordance with the spirit of the constitution.