TANAHU: Preparations are underway to celebrate the year 2026 as the year of Tamu language, literature, art, and culture with various programmes under the slogan, ‘Learning Modern Knowledge, Will Never Forget Our Original Identity’.

The Adikavi Bhanubhakta Campus is organising the Tamang language, literature, art and culture year 2026 this year.

The chief of the District Coordination Committee, Shanti Raman Wagle, said that the main objective of organising this programme is to provide the best guidance for producing cultural activists and skilled human resources for the future.

Campus Chief Maha Prasad Hadkhale said that the programme is being organised in collaboration with the Tamuhyuel Chhonja Dhing and educational institutions with the aim of demonstrating community’s organisational strength, unity and conveying a message of cooperation.

The Chief of the District Coordination Committee, Wagle, stated that as the language dies, the culture dies, it has become essential for the new generation to acquire knowledge of the Gurung language to preserve the traditions of Tamule Khegi, Pachyu, and Klhepri traditions.

He said, “It is not a shame to speak your mother tongue; rather you should be proud of it. Only when the language survives does our history and identity survive. Everyone must cooperate and coordinate in its preservation and promotion.”

Baikuntha Neupane, Mayor of Byas Municipality, stated that cultural originality is our strength and emphasised on moving forward by embodying the slogan, ‘Learning Modern Knowledge, Will Never Forget Our Original Identity’.

The chairman of the Campus Management Committee, Kesh Bahadur Sunar, stated that a five-year plan has been prepared and implemented as an effort to transfer indigenous knowledge and skills to the new generation by linking them with modern technology.

Hari Sing Gurung, President of Sampada Nepal and a tourism expert, emphasised that the traditions of the Gurung community, such as Rodhi, Ghantu, Sorathi, and Krishna Charitra dance, are not merely dances but parts of their culture, and there is a need to understand and preserve their essence. He expressed his expectation that this campaign will convey a positive message across the country.

Rohan Gurung, president of the Tamang Student Cooperation Group, stated that the annual plan for the preservation of language, literature, arts, and culture serves as a bridge to the new generation.

The plan was prepared in coordination with over 100 Tamang students and community leaders from Aanbukhaireni, Devghat and Byas municipalities.

Meanwhile, the Campus has declared the year 2026 as the year of Gurung (Tamu) language, literature, art, and culture through the Committee for the Preservation and Development of Indigenous Languages and Cultures.