Guwahati, May 4: The Cotton University in Assam has introduced a Post Graduate (PG) Diploma in functional Nepali language from this academic session. The Vice Chancellor (UC) of Cotton University Prof. (Dr) Bhabesh Goswami formally inaugurated the course at MCB Building Conference Hall at Cotton University on Monday (May 2, 2022) and opined that in near future a full-fledged PG course can be introduced if Gorkha students and youths engage in obtaining a PG degree in their mother tongue.
Classes will commence from Thursday.
It is the first course in the regular mode of Nepali language in any university in north-east India except Sikkim. PG Diploma in Nepali language is the first course of Centre for Language, Culture and Art of Cotton University.
Former senior journalist with Nepali language daily ‘Haamro Prajashakti’ Dhaka Ram Kafle who is known to have excellent command over functional Nepali language has been appointed as Asstt Professor / Faculty and will teach regularly while Dr Khagen Sarma, Asstt. Professor, Modern Indian Language & Language Studies Gauhati University will be Guest Faculty and mentor for the teaching staff.
Dr. Khagen Sarma, one of the architects behind the introduction of this course, said, “The course is divided into 2 semesters with a total of 32 credits points. This PG Diploma certificate will be useful for teaching purposes too in different levels. I am happy to be associated with Nepali language teaching at Cotton University and look forward to more students joining the course in forthcoming years.”
Prof Maheswor Kalita, the in-charge Director of the Centre, and the VC of the university were present along with the students and faculty members at the inauguration. Initially it will be in self financing mode and so far 12 students have enrolled their names for the course. Students can still take admission for the next two weeks. Hostel facilities will be provided by the university.
In 2017, the literary organization of Gorkhas, the Assam Nepali Sahitya Sabha (ANSS) demanded to open a Centre for Nepali Culture and Language, accordingly Executive Council of Cotton University approved the demand. ANSS also demanded for creation of post of Assistant Prof of Nepali for the same and it was mentioned in minutes of the meeting of the Cotton University Executive Council on 1st Oct 2019. Gorkha MLA Ganesh Kumar Limbu also seconded the matter and pressed it before the Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and the VC of Cotton University. Limbu is now candidate contesting for the post of President of Assam Gorkha Sammelan (AGS), the parent civil society organization of Gorkhas of Assam, in the forth coming 27th Trinnenial Conference to be held at Nikashi in Baksa BTR in mid May.
Assam Nepali Sahitya Sabha (ANSS), All Assam Gorkha Students Union (AAGSU), Assam Gorkha Sammelan (AGS) and the Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh (BGP) leaders have expressed their gratitude to Cotton University for this gesture that will largely benefit the Nepali speaking Gorkha community and society at large.
