Darjeeling — Salesian College Sonada (SCS) celebrated 202nd birth anniversary of Nepali Poet Bhanubhakta Acharya with a two day cultural fiesta, 12-13 July 2016.

Bhanubhakta Acharya (1814 – 1868) was a Nepalese poet and writer who translated the great epic Ramayana from Sanskrit to Nepali language. Born in 1814 in Chundi Ramgha, Tanahun District (Nepal), he is honoured with the title Adikavi (first poet) of Nepal.

Though the Nepalese language had evolved since the fall of the Khus Empire in the fifteenth century yet their language was limited to speech only. Over a period Sanskrit took over as language of the elite and most of the written texts were found in Sanskrit, and only the Brahmins had the right to study the religious texts as they were the enlightened ones.

Writers have recorded, “Even when the lengthy Sanskrit texts were read out to the common Nepali people they could not decipher the meaning. Thus Nepal was shrouded by ignorance.”

It was at this juncture that Bhanubhakta decided to make the texts and poetry available to common people by popularizing the written form of Khas language which later evolved into modern Nepali.

Schools and colleges across North Bengal celebrated the event with processions and cultural events while official West Bengal government celebrations held in Darjeeling had for the first time the presence of President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Governor of West Bengal Shri Keshari Nath Tripathi and Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee, 13 July.

Salesian college celebrationThe first day (12 July) of SCS celebrations consisted of poetry composition, essay writing, as well as sit and draw competition in each of nine departments.

Second day (13 July) celebration began with morning assembly where Director of Salesian College Community Radio Fr. C.M. Paul addressed the college community encouraging all to participate in the cultural celebrations scheduled for the day.

The high point of the celebrations began in the afternoon with an hour-long programme to honour Bhanubhakta Acharya popularly known as the Adikavi with choral recitation of a portion of the Bhanubhakta Ramayan in Nepali language by students.

Former Salesian provincial of Kolkata Fr John Berger graced the occasion.

An ethnic dress competition by students featuring the various groups of Nepali people like Gurung, Tamanag, Sherpa, Rai and others followed bringing much cheer among the audience.

Father NobyThe new Vice Principal of Salesian College Sonada Fr Noby George in his address invited all to emulate the great literary giant of Nepali language.

Fr Noby said, “a civilization will achieve great progress only when it will produce eminent writers like Bhanubhakta.”

Senior most faculty member and Assistant Professor Mr Terrence Mukhia quoted various verses from Bhanu’s poems and spoke of the origin of present day Nepali language that has filled the literary vacuum which had been created by the Sanskritisation of Nepali culture and language.

The celebrations concluded with a volleyball match between the faculty and students in which students won the third set of the game with a narrow margin of 21 / 19 score.