Gangtok, Aug 20: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Thursday hailed the constitutional recognition of Nepali as a watershed moment for the language, culture and identity of the Nepali-speaking community, and called for greater efforts to preserve and promote mother tongue among the younger generation.
In a Facebook post, Tamang said the inclusion of Nepali in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution was a “very proud and unforgettable day” for the language and the community, while paying tribute to writers, linguists, scholars, activists, leaders and language enthusiasts whose sustained efforts helped secure constitutional recognition.
“Language is the living foundation of our history, civilisation, culture, emotions, traditions and collective identity. It is the common responsibility of all of us to protect, promote and pass on our mother tongue,” the chief minister said on ‘Bhasha Manyata Diwas’ 2026.
He stressed that the rich literary, cultural and intellectual heritage of Nepali must be strengthened and enriched, particularly by instilling a sense of pride and responsibility towards the language among the younger generation.
Tamang said the Sikkim government has consistently accorded priority to protecting and promoting all languages spoken in the state, along with the diverse costumes, cultures, traditions and identities of its communities.
He said the government would continue to take initiatives to strengthen the state’s linguistic and cultural heritage while promoting unity, goodwill and coexistence amid its diversity.
The chief minister also expressed hope that Language Recognition Day would deepen people’s pride and affection for Nepali and inspire the younger generation to preserve the language and its cultural identity.
Extending greetings to Sikkimese people and Nepali language lovers across the world, Tamang wished them happiness, peace, prosperity and progress on the occasion. (PTI)
