Photo Courtesy: nagalandpost
Kohima: The Gorkha community celebrated the 212th birth anniversary of Adikavi Bhanubhakta Acharya across Nagaland this July. Events in Chümoukedima, Mokokchung, and Dimapur honored the pioneer of Nepali literature, who is revered for translating the Ramayana. Celebrations featured cultural dances, Khukuri performances, and recitations of the Ghansi poem.
However, festivities were overshadowed by the July 7 sexual assault of a minor in Medziphema Town. Student bodies including ANGSU, GSUCD, GSUK, and GSUM issued stern condemnations of the act. The GSUCD organized a solidarity gathering at the Chümoukedima Town Council Hall to demand swift legal action. Participants held placards declaring, "Silence Protects Abusers, Speak Up," while demanding justice for the minor.
The All Nagaland Gorkha Students' Union praised Abou u Kuotsu, a Ward 9 headman in Medziphema, for helping file the FIR and expelling the accused. Unions now demand prosecution under the POCSO Act, 2012, and insisted on robust psychological and legal support for the survivor. Student leaders pledged to monitor the investigation closely.
In Mokokchung, Additional Deputy Commissioner Atsungba Walling highlighted the peaceful coexistence between the Gorkha and Ao communities. He noted that the bond has been solidified through family ties and inter-community marriages. Meanwhile, in Dimapur, the DGU and GSUD honored academic toppers Jemimah Grace, Jason Rai, and Shristi Thapa alongside Rahul Chetri, the GB of Nepali Basti.
Addressing the attendees, Ganesh Rai, managing director of Lotus English Boarding School in Dharan, Nepal, urged youth to preserve their linguistic traditions. Speakers at the events stressed that Bhanubhakta Acharya’s ideals remain relevant. As one participant noted, the community must "stand united against injustice while safeguarding the dignity and rights of children." The commemorations concluded with cultural shows and local prize distributions.
Comments