Sikkim CM announces Rs 3 lakh literary award on 'Adikavi' Bhanubhakta’s 212th birth anniversary

Gangtok, Jul 13 (PTI) Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Monday announced the institution of the 'Anubad Setu Award', carrying a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh, on the occasion of 'Adikavi' Bhanubhakta Acharya's 212th birth anniversary. Addressing a gathering at the Bhanu Jayanti celebrations held at Jautar Stadium in Soreng, Tamang said the annual award, to be introduced from next year, will honour a distinguished literary figure for outstanding contributions to Nepali literature and language, the lingua franca of Sikkim. Bhanubhakta Acharya is honoured as the Adikavi (first poet) of the Nepali language since he was the first to write and translate great literary works, such as the Ramayana, into the native Nepali tongue, making them accessible to the common, non-Sanskrit-speaking public. Paying tribute to Acharya, Tamang hailed the poet's contribution to Nepali literature and recited his iconic poem 'Ghasi', highlighting its message of dignity of labour and social responsibility. He reiterated the government's commitment to preserving Sikkim's linguistic and cultural heritage through sustained support for writers, artists and literary institutions. Tamang also remembered former chief minister Nar Bahadur Bhandari and ex-Lok Sabha MP Dil Kumari Bhandari for their role in securing constitutional recognition for the Nepali language. The celebration featured literary and cultural programmes, including Ramayan recital, folk dance performances, debates and painting competitions. The event also saw the release of a Nepali dictionary by the Assam Nepali Sahitya Sabha and the book 'A Tribute to Bhanu' by Kishan Dahal. Writers, literary organisations, digital content creator Salini Chettri, boxer Soniya Subba, and representatives of Sikkim's 19 communities were felicitated for their contributions and achievements. Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister offered floral tributes at Acharya's statue and joined the traditional procession, which saw participation from government departments, educational institutions and cultural organisations from across Soreng district. Acharya was born in 1814 in Chundi Ramgha village, located in Tanahun District of Nepal and died in 1868. PTI COR NN