International seminar on Tamang language begins in Namchi

NAMCHI, 15 July: The three-day ‘Antarashtriya Tamang Bhasa Sahitya Gosti- 2012’ [International Seminar on Tamang Language] was inaugurated here at Namchi on Saturday. The literary meet-cum-workshop is being organized under Bhasa Vikas Board of Sikkim Tamang Boudha Sangh and will continue till 16 July. 
The inaugural session had area MLA Binod Rai as the chief guest who formally inaugurated the programme with the lighting of lamps, which was then followed by the seminar and workshop. Also present were Chairman of Namchi Municipal Council, BT Tamang as the guest of honor.
The other participants were language experts from Nepal and other surrounding places like Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Mirik, language teachers, writers and members of Bhasa Vikas Board. Among the guests present were president of Nepal Tamang Ghedung Kumar Blown, president of Sikkim Tamang Boudha Sangh Kumar Yonzone, president of Akhil Bharatiya Tamang Boudha Sangh KM Tamang, along with Ajit Maan Tamang, Rajen Thokore, Pratik Neshure from Nepal, BB Syangden, Bakshing Dong and Pradeep Tamang from Mirik along with members of Akhil Bharatiya Tamang Boudha Sangh.
The chief guest in his address congratulated Sikkim Tamang Boudha Sangh for organizing such a seminar related with the upkeep of their language and for being able to come up with language text books for class IX and X. In Sikkim’s context, he informed that the state government has been successful in getting the Tamang community included in the Scheduled Tribes list.
He added that such programmes, seminars and workshops are important in generating awareness on one’s language and customs as it helps a person in understanding the community to which he belongs.
Other guests who had come from far in their respective address highlighted on the seminar and briefly addressed the gathering.
The main focus of this international ‘gosti’ is to discuss whether the text books (vernacular) of class IX and X were fit to be included in academic curriculum. The seminar will also go over the flaws and see to what changes are needed.
This is the third international seminar on Tamang language in Sikkim, the first was held in the year 1995, while the national ‘gosti’ takes place annually. The seminar held will also include serious discussions focusing on Tamang language and related topics.