Ahead of Bhasha Samman Diwas, Nepali language under attack

A major controversy has erupted at Sikkim University just one day before the Nepali-speaking community prepares to celebrate Nepali Bhasha Samman Diwas on August 20. A first-semester M.Com student has been arrested and is now in police custody after making deeply offensive remarks against the Nepali language and questioning the importance of India's Independence Day celebrations. The accused, identified as Raj Shekhar from Banaras, Uttar Pradesh, is currently under police custody at Ranipool Police Station. He has been charged under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, including Section 196(1), Section 353(1)(c), and Section 353(2). To understand these charges better, Section 196(1) of BNS 2023 deals with promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, and other factors. This section carries punishment of imprisonment which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both. Section 353(1)(c) relates to statements conducing to public mischief, while Section 353(2) deals with making statements that create or promote feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will between members of different religious, racial, language or regional groups. The incident took place in the official WhatsApp group of the Department of Commerce at Sikkim University. According to the Sikkim University Students' Association (SUSA), Raj Shekhar allegedly described the Nepali language as a "foreign country's language" and suggested that those who wished to use Nepali should "go to Nepal." These comments have been described by SUSA as deeply insulting to the Nepali-speaking population, which forms a significant part of Sikkim's cultural and social fabric. The remarks have been seen as a direct attack on the identity of Indian Gorkhas and an attempt to undermine the dignity of an official Indian language. The student is also accused of making anti-national remarks by questioning the importance of August 15 celebrations and suggesting that classes should continue on Independence Day. SUSA has described this statement as disrespectful to the sacrifices made by India's freedom fighters and an affront to the values of national unity. The timing of this incident has made it particularly hurtful for the Nepali-speaking community. Tomorrow, August 20, marks Nepali Bhasha Samman Diwas, also known as Gorkha Bhasa Manyata Diwas. This day celebrates the recognition of Nepali language and honors the contributions of the Gorkha community to India. Many people may not know the full history of how Nepali language became part of India's constitutional framework. Nepali was recognized under the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution in 1992 through the 71st Constitutional Amendment. This recognition was largely possible due to the persistent efforts of leaders from Sikkim and other Nepali-speaking regions. The language has been the official language of West Bengal since 1961, much before its constitutional recognition. Sikkim, being the only Nepali-speaking state in India, has always been looked upon as the guardian and protector of Nepali language and culture within the Indian framework. The recognition of Nepali in the Indian Constitution was a historic achievement that came about through the dedicated work of many Sikkimese and Gorkha leaders who fought tirelessly for linguistic rights. This constitutional recognition means that Nepali is not just accepted but officially acknowledged as one of India's languages, with all the rights and privileges that come with such status. Darjeeling Member of Parliament Raju Bista has strongly condemned the racist remarks against the Nepali language. In his statement, MP Bista said that dismissing Nepali in an Indian institution sends a dangerous message of exclusion and erodes trust in the country's commitment to linguistic diversity. The Sikkim University Students' Association has taken a very strong stand on this matter. SUSA has not only condemned the remarks but has also demanded immediate disciplinary action against the student. The association has made it clear that such behavior will not be tolerated in an institution that prides itself on diversity and inclusion. "These comments are not just offensive but represent a mindset that goes against everything our university stands for," said a SUSA representative. "We demand that the university administration takes this matter seriously and ensures that such incidents do not happen again." SUSA has also organized awareness programs to educate students about the historical significance of the Nepali language and the contributions of the Gorkha community to India's freedom struggle and national development. This incident brings to light a larger question about identity crisis that many Nepali-speaking Indians face. Despite being Indian citizens with full constitutional rights, including the right to their language being recognized in the Constitution, many Nepali speakers often face questions about their nationality and belonging. The fact that such remarks can be made in an educational institution shows that there is still work to be done in educating people about India's linguistic diversity and the rightful place of all constitutional languages within the national framework. Sikkim, being the only Nepali-speaking state, often bears the responsibility of representing and defending Nepali interests across India. The state's leaders have historically played crucial roles in securing rights and recognition for Nepali speakers throughout the country. The incident also brings attention to the often-overlooked contributions of Gorkha freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for India's independence. Names like Dal Bahadur Giri, Helen Lepcha, Jangbir Sapkota, Pushpa Kumar Ghising, Krishna Bahadur Mukhia, Subedar Niranjan Chettri, Major Durga Malla, Captain Ram Singh Thakuri, Dalbir Singh Lohar, Gaga Tshering Dukpa, Dambar Gurung, and Ari Bahadur Gurung are not as well-known as they should be. These brave souls fought alongside other freedom fighters for India's independence, yet their contributions are often forgotten or overlooked in mainstream historical narratives. When someone questions the Indian-ness of Nepali speakers, they are essentially questioning the sacrifices made by these heroes. Icons like Padma Bhushan Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, who conquered Mount Everest, football star Sunil Chhetri, who has been India's football captain and top scorer, hockey player Bharat Chhetri, and several others in various fields continue to make India proud on national and international stages. These achievements show that the Nepali-speaking community is not just an integral part of India but actively contributes to the nation's glory and reputation worldwide.