Mr. Anup Chhetry, President, Mizoram Gorkha Youth Association (MGYA)
My dear members of the MGYA
It gives me great pleasure to address the Gorkha community of Mizoram on the occasion of Bhanu Jayanti – the birth anniversary of your great poet and writer Adi Kavi Bhanu Bhakta Acharya.
I thank the office bearers of Mizoram Gorkha Youth Association (Central) for inviting me as the Chief Guest to this function and for giving me this opportunity to experience some facets of your rich cultural heritage, which you have carefully preserved. At the outset, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to the Gorkha community of Mizoram on this auspicious occasion of Bhanu Jayanti.
I am told that it was he who translated Ramayan from Sanskrit to Nepali nearly 160 to 170 years ago, so that the common Nepali folk could read the epic in their own language. I have learnt that his translation of the religious epics not only brought the scriptures within the reach of the Nepali masses, but also played an important role in the development of Nepali literature and the language itself.
Today, Nepali language is included in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution of India, thereby according it a status of a recognised language. I am certain that all of you are proud of it. You must note that this is no small thing, and that there are a lot of benefits that come with it. The Gorkhas are famous around the world for their bravery, honesty and military prowess. This is my first opportunity to address the Gorkha community of Mizoram, and I am happy to be in your midst today.
Recently, a delegation of Gorkha elders of Mizoram Gorkha Sangh met me and apprised me about the history of the Gorkha community, the contributions you have made to Mizoram, and the issues and challenges that the community has been facing. In this regard, I have taken note of some of the problems and have written to the concerned authorities to look into the matters.
Mizoram, as all of you know, is one of the most peaceful states. I have been informed that the Gorkha community has always lived in peaceful coexistence and in harmony with the majority Mizo community. All of you must continue to uphold this sacred bond of togetherness and work hand in hand with the Mizos for the progress and development of Mizoram. As a small community of just about 25000 people, there will definitely be adversities and setbacks. However, you must not lose heart, but always carry on with a positive mindset.
Education is an empowering force, and knowledge is something that no one can take away from you. In this regard, I call upon all the students to work hard towards gaining a good education so that you can find work not only here in Mizoram, but across the country and even the world. India today is one of the fastest developing countries, and new opportunities are opening up all over the country. You must be ready take on these new openings, and must be open to change.
I have been informed about the contributions of MGYA to the socio-cultural life of the Gorkhas, and in uplifting the community, especially in education. I commend the MGYA for the positive work, and the ‘Marg Darshan’ that they are doing for the Gorkhas. I hope that you will continue to selflessly work not only for the community, but also for the people and the State of Mizoram.
I also commend the members of MGYA for the cremation rites and services that you continue to provide to your community. NGOs play an important role in society, and the leaders of the MGYA must always be aware of this responsibility that they shoulder. I hope that I will have more interactions with the Gorkhas in the future, and it is my desire that we all work together for the continued glory of our Nation.
I congratulate the MGYA for this wonderful programme, and I once again convey my best wishes to all of you on this happy occasion of Bhanu Jayanti.
Thank you.
Jai Hind.
