BIRATNAGAR: The Koshi Province Government has implemented the Act on the Use of Languages in Official Government Business from Tuesday, marking a significant step towards recognising, protecting and promoting the province’s linguistic diversity.
Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki announced the implementation of the Act on the occasion of the 141st birth anniversary of Mahaguru Phalgunanda Lingden, a national luminary and social reformer who founded the Kirat religion.
Describing the move as an important milestone, Karki said the Act would help ensure respect for linguistic diversity and promote the use of different languages in provincial government affairs.
On the occasion, he also declared November 11 (Kartik 25) as Language Day in Koshi Province. The day will be observed annually to celebrate the province’s multi-ethnic, multilingual and multicultural identity.
In his message, Karki 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 traditional customs.
Emphasising the importance of preserving languages, the chief minister said languages were not merely means of communication but also carriers of a community’s identity, history, culture and civilisation.
He warned that the disappearance of a language would also result in the loss of valuable knowledge, traditions and cultural heritage passed down through generations.
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