Tura, July 21: The 212th birth anniversary of Adikavi Bhanu Bhakta Acharya was celebrated with cultural fervour in Tura on Tuesday as members of the Gorkha community, public representatives and youth came together to honour the literary icon whose works continue to shape Nepali language and identity across generations.
Organised by the Gorkha Welfare Society at the District Auditorium under the theme “Preservation of Language, Literature and Culture,” the celebration marked a significant shift from the traditional observance of Bhanu Jayanti in Garo Hills. What was once a modest community gathering has evolved into a larger public celebration aimed at strengthening cultural identity and inspiring younger generations to stay connected to their roots.
The programme was attended by Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma as the chief guest and Rangsakona MLA Subir Marak as the guest of honour.
In a message issued on the occasion, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma extended greetings to the Gorkha community and paid tribute to Mahakavi Bhanu Bhakta Acharya, saying his literary contributions and enduring message of humanity, culture and unity continue to inspire generations.
He said the Gorkha community has made immense contributions to Meghalaya’s growth and remains an integral part of the state’s social and cultural fabric.
The Chief Minister said Bhanu Jayanti is not only a celebration of a literary icon but also an occasion to honour the values of service, resilience, harmony and cultural pride. He expressed hope that the celebration would strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among communities while inspiring young people to preserve and cherish their rich heritage.
The celebrations began with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp and floral tributes to Bhanu Bhakta Acharya, followed by a welcome address by Gorkha Welfare Society president Rajesh Chetry, who stressed the importance of preserving language and culture as the foundation of community identity. The programme also featured a presentation on the life and literary legacy of the revered poet.
Addressing the gathering, Speaker Thomas A. Sangma said Bhanu Jayanti is not merely about remembering a great poet but about celebrating a literary legacy that continues to inspire the Nepali-speaking community across India and the world.
Expressing concern over the gradual loss of languages globally, he urged the younger generation to preserve the Nepali language and its literary heritage while promoting unity, harmony and mutual respect among all communities. He also announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakh for the Gorkha Welfare Society to support its work for the welfare of the Nepali community in Garo Hills.
MLA Subir Marak said Bhanu Bhakta Acharya’s literary works and moral teachings continue to inspire people beyond the Nepali community and urged people to uphold the values he stood for.
The event concluded with colourful cultural performances by students and local troupes, including traditional dances, music and an ethnic dress show featuring the traditional attire of the Nepali community and the seven Northeastern states, celebrating the region’s diversity and shared cultural heritage.
Born in 1814, Adikavi Bhanu Bhakta Acharya is regarded as the father of modern Nepali literature.
He is best known for translating the Ramayana into simple Nepali, making one of India’s greatest epics accessible to ordinary people and laying the foundation for modern Nepali literary identity.
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