The 34th Nepali Bhasha Diwas, 2025, was celebrated at the auditorium hall of SL Dow Gyatso Kazi Senior Secondary School, Mangalbaria, organised by Sphuran Sahitya Prakashan (Mangalbaria) and the Nepali Language Recognition Day Celebration Committee 2025. The event was graced by Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang as the Chief Guest and Dr Gokul Sinha as a special guest.

In his address, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang congratulated the organising committee and emphasized that preserving a language is akin to preserving humanity, highlighting the importance of cultural and linguistic heritage. He recalled the historic recognition of the Nepali language in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution and stressed promoting Nepali and other regional languages through modern digital platforms. He also informed that the State Government is working to include Lepcha, Bhutia, and Limboo languages in the 8th Schedule.

The Chief Minister announced that on August 20, 2026, the State Government will felicitate Late Nar Bahadur Bhandari (Former Chief Minister) and Dil Kumari Bhandari (Former MP, Lok Sabha) for their contributions to Nepali language recognition. He assured support for proposals submitted by the organising committee and announced that 990 beneficiaries from every constituency will receive assistance under the Aama Shashaktikaran Yojana on September 17, 2025, marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday. From 2026 onwards, Bhasha Diwas will be celebrated at the district level to ensure wider participation.

Dr Gokul Sinha, in his address, highlighted the formation of the Bharatiya Nepali Rashtriya Parisad under Late Nar Bahadur Bhandari and appreciated the contribution of the people of Sikkim in the historic recognition of Nepali in the 8th Schedule. He also commended Sikkim University for promoting regional language learning among students.

ADC-II (Soreng) and President of the Nepali Language Recognition Day Celebration Committee 2025, Santosh Kr Allay, recited his poem “Mangalmai Mangalbarey” and shared the history of Dr Gokul Sinha’s contributions. He also highlighted the history and activities of Sphuran Sahitya Prakashan.

The programme included felicitation of the Chief Guest with flowers and traditional ornaments, presentation of Certificates of Appreciation to student toppers Yogesh Rai, Sujala Rana, Namdol Lepcha, Chodenla Sherpa, and Chunu Lepcha, and Certificates of Felicitation to individuals for contributions in sports, education, and social work. Discretionary grants were distributed to Sanjeevani Sahitya Maanch (Gelling-Samsing) and Middle Gelling Nava Jyoti Gram Sudhar Sangh.

A quiz competition was held, with KB Limboo Senior Secondary School, Sribadam emerging as the winner. Poetry recitations in Manger, Gurung, Tamang, Rai, Limbu, Lepcha, Bhutia, and Nepali languages were also conducted.

The event was attended by MLAs, Vice Chairperson (ITS), Advisors, Chairpersons, Zilla Adakshya, Upa-Adakshya, Former MLAs, Secretaries, IGP (Law and Order), APS Soreng, OSDs, DC Soreng, SP Soreng, ADCs, SDMs, HODs, and officials from various departments.