A day to remember Gorkha bravehearts

SHILLONG, Aug 25: Contributions of Major Durga Malla of Azad Hind Fauj among many Gorkha bravehearts in India’s Struggle for Independence were remembered during a programme to commemorate Nepali Bhasha Manyata Diwas and Balidan Diwas.
The programme was attended by Assam Small Industries Development Corporation (ASIDC) Chairman Kishore Upadhyay as the chief guest, HoD of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Department of NEHU Dr. SR Joshi, former MCS KK Muktan, intellectuals, academicians, members of various organisations, students and faculty from various educational institutes, et al.
The programme was organised by Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh in collaboration with Textbook Committee (Nepali), Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Meghalaya Nepali Sahitya Sammelan, and the Shillong Gorkha Social Cultural and Educational Trust.
During the programme, the speakers recalled the contributions of Gorkhas in the Satyagraha Movement, revival of Indian National Army and mobilisation of soldiers following the formation of the Azad Hind Government.
Recalling the stumbling blocks to the inclusion of Nepali language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, they also made a clarion call for the preservation and promotion of one’s language, culture and identity.
Some other highlights of the day-long programme include performance of khukuri dance as well as songs by students, felicitation, poetry recitation, among others.
It may be mentioned that the death anniversary of Major Durga Malla, who was one of the key figures in the revival of Indian National Army, is observed as Balidan Diwas across India.
On the other hand, the Nepali Bhasha Manyata Diwas is celebrated to commemorate the constitutional recognition to Nepali language.