Bhutia Kay Rab Yargay Tshogpo felicitates three Bhutia litterateurs

BOOK ON BHUTIA PROVERBS RELEASED MANGAN, 21 Nov: Three eminent Bhutia litterateurs, former Senior Announcer AIR Kurseong/ Gangtok, Yapchung Kazi, Bhutia text books writer Pema Ringzing Bhutia and former HRDD Joint Director, Padmashree Norden Tshering Bhutia, were felicitated for their “selfless contribution towards the promotion of Bhutia language and literature” by the Bhutia Kay Rab Yargay Tshogpo [BKYT], North District, at a special function held here at the Zilla Bhavan yesterday for the development of literature, language and culture.
The letters of felicitation were handed over by District Collector North, TN Kazi who was present as the chief guest.
The function also deliberated on the theme: “Our responsibility is to teach even the last one” and started with a welcome address by the BKYT-North president, Khenpo Namgyal Lachungpa. General secretary, BKYT (North), Yeshe Ringzing Bhutia highlighted the importance of Bhutia language and literature, emphasizing the need to use modern technology to reach the younger generation.
Sikkimese (Bhutia) Programme Executive cum Senior Announcer, AIR Gangtok, Kiden Bhutia, said that the Bhutia language is broadcast through Radio in the entire district which is also a part of publicity and works as a medium through which people can learn. She mentioned that there is a dearth of Bhutia news readers and programmes at the station.
Speaking of the different programmes in the Bhutia language on Radio, Ms Bhutia invited people to talk on different topics like agriculture, health, animal husbandry, women and child etc. She further informed that AIR has also started lighter programmes focussing on Sikkim’s food, culture and arts.
Similarly, general secretary, BKYT Central Body, Pema Ringzing Bhutia, speaking on the importance of the language, said that teachers can play a significant role in the promotion of language.
Also on the day, a book on proverbs titled “Khatam” published in the Bhutia language by Yeshe Ringzing Bhutia was released.
An interactive session was also held during the function. During the discussion, people placed various suggestions and questions with the panel of speakers about the language.
Inclusion of Bhutia language in private schools was also discussed. It was decided that Bhutia language classes would be held in Mangan during the winter vacations and some of the teachers voluntarily agreed to take these classes.
President, BKYT Central Body, Padmashree Norden Tshering Bhutia highlighted that the Bhutia Kayrab Yargay Tshogpo is working for the promotion of Bhutia language and literature in the state. He further informed that coaching classes should be set up not only in Mangan but also in more areas. He urged teachers to teach the language properly and also encouraged them to write books in the language.
The chief guest while addressing the function informed that learning the language is essential not only for the purpose of employment but in order to preserve our tradition and culture as well.
The DC further added that such functions should be held at least every three months. With reference to the coaching classes in Mangan, the DC informed that he will make arrangements for a room to conduct the classes and further added that it should not only be for teaching the language but also for teaching about tradition, culture and festivals.
The function was also addressed by Joint Director, HRDD, North District, Sonam Dadul Bhutia and Joint Director, HRDD Languages, Tashi Bhutia.
The function ended with the vote of thanks by president of SUTWA, North District, Karma Bhutia and was also attended by the president Mangan Nagar Panchayat, Karma Jigdel Bhutia and language teachers from North District.