KATHMANDU: Expressing dissatisfaction with the linguistic style used in Nepali media, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli criticized certain expressions frequently seen in news reporting during the 125th anniversary and 63rd annual celebration of Gorkhapatra Daily. He specifically raised concerns over the informal address of “timi” (you) in Nepali, questioning its appropriateness.

Reflecting on the monarchy era, Oli recalled the language style used by newspapers back then. “Back when there was a king, newspapers would say, ‘The king does not look; he observes. He does not walk; he travels. He does not sit; he rests. He does not sleep; he reposes.’ Now that the monarchy is gone, why should we not respect the sons and daughters of the people?” he remarked.

He also took issue with how the President is addressed in news reports. “Whether the President said something or not, I don’t remember, but saying ‘the President inaugurated after talking to his grandson’ is not proper Nepali language,” he pointed out, criticizing the informal tone used in reporting high-level state affairs.

Oli argued against the degradation of Nepali language dignity through inappropriate expressions. “When you say ‘you,’ it can mean both grandfather and grandson. Just because certain languages are limited in expression doesn’t mean we should degrade our own language,” he stated firmly.

He praised Gorkhapatra for setting a benchmark in linguistic purity in Nepali journalism. According to him, “Gorkhapatra is considered the standard for the purity of the Nepali language. It has been at the forefront of preserving linguistic movements more than any other newspaper.”

Prime Minister Oli also criticized the growing trend of negative commentary and artificial intellectualism in Nepali media. “No matter what, there are those who engage in negative criticism, use artificial intellectualism to assassinate characters, spread lies as truth today, and try to justify them tomorrow. Gorkhapatra has to stand against such trends,” he asserted.