Preparations Underway to Celebrate 2026 as Gurung (Tamu) Language, Literature, Art, and Culture Year

Dumre (Tanahun), February 13: In line with the motto 'Learning Modern Knowledge, Never Forgetting Our Original Identity,' preparations are underway to celebrate the year 2026 as the Gurung Language, Literature, Art, and Culture Year through various programs. Adhikavi Bhanubhakta Campus is organizing the celebration of the Gurung Language, Literature, Art, and Culture Year 2026 this year.

The main objective of organizing this program is to provide excellent guidance for producing cultural activists and expert human resources in the future, stated Shanti Raman Wagle, Chief of the District Coordination Committee.

Campus Chief Mahaprasad Hadkhale informed that the program is being organized in collaboration with Tamu Hyul Chhonj Dhin and educational institutions to showcase community organization, unity, and convey a message of cooperation. He expressed confidence that only the joint efforts of the campus and the Gurung community can make 2026 a successful 'Tamu Language and Culture Year.'

District Coordination Committee Chief Wagle stated that since the culture dies when the language dies, it is mandatory for the new generation of Gurungs to acquire knowledge of the Gurung language to preserve traditions like Khegi, Pachu, and Khelpri. He said, "One should not be ashamed but proud to speak their mother tongue. Our history and identity survive only if the language survives. Everyone must cooperate and coordinate in its conservation and promotion."

Byas Municipality Mayor Baikuntha Neupane stated that cultural originality is our strength and emphasized moving forward by internalizing the campus motto, 'Learning Modern Knowledge, Never Forgetting Our Original Identity.' He said, "No matter where we go in the world, our language and culture make us respected."

Campus Management Committee Chairman Keshab Bahadur Sunar informed that the action plan for the Gurung Year has been prepared and is being implemented as an effort to transfer indigenous knowledge and skills to the new generation by connecting them with modern technology.

Harisingh Gurung, Chairman of Sampada Nepal and tourism expert, stressed the commitment to understanding and preserving the essence of Gurung community rituals such as Rodhi, Ghantu, Sorathi, and Krishnacharitra Nach, as they are integral parts of civilization, not just dances. He expected this campaign to spread a positive message across the country.

Rohan Gurung, Chairman of the Tamu Student Support Group, stated that the annual action plan for the preservation of language, literature, art, and culture serves as a bridge for the new generation. The action plan was prepared in coordination with over 100 Gurung students and community leaders from Aabukhaireni, Devghat, and Byas Municipalities.

Riya Gurung, a postgraduate student from Devghat Rural Municipality, said, "If we, as Gurungs, are not clear about our language, literature, art, and culture, what will we teach the new generation when the guardians are gone tomorrow? We believe such programs will be an effective medium for the preservation and promotion of language and culture along with generational transfer."

Meanwhile, the campus, through the Committee for the Conservation and Development of Indigenous Nationalities' Language and Culture, has declared 2026 as the Gurung (Tamu) Language, Literature, Art, and Culture Year.

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