BIRATNAGR: The Koshi Province Government has implemented the Act on the Use of Languages in Official Government Business from today, marking a step towards protecting and promoting the province’s linguistic diversity.
Province Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki announced the implementation of the Act on the 141st birth anniversary of Mahaguru Phalgunanda Lingden, a national luminary and social reformer who founded the Kirat religion.
Karki described the implementation of the Act as an important step towards ensuring respect for linguistic diversity and promoting the use of different languages in provincial government affairs.
On the occasion, Karki also declared Kartik 25 (November 11) as Language Day in the Province, to be observed annually in recognition of its multi-ethnic, multilingual and multicultural identity.
In his message, the CM paid tribute to Mahaguru Phalgunanda for his contributions to promoting truth, non-violence, peace, equality and social harmony.
He also recalled Phalgunanda’s efforts to challenge social evils, discriminatory practices and harmful traditions. Highlighting the importance of language preservation, Karki argued that languages were not simply tools of communication but also carried a community’s identity, history, culture and civilization.
He noted that the loss of a language would also mean the disappearance of the knowledge, traditions and cultural heritage passed down through generations.
