The Sikkim state government has declared a gazetted holiday on August 20th to mark 'Nepali Bhasha Manyata Diwas'.
This marks the day the language was recognised in the eighth schedule of the Constitution in 1992.
It was on August 20th 1992 when the constitution of India gave recognition to the Nepali language in the eighth schedule of the Indian constitution.
To honour this and to mark ‘Bhasa Manyata Diwas’ the current Government of Sikkim has declared August 20th as gazetted holiday in the state from 2022 onwards. Nepali language is the lingua franca in Sikkim and Darjeeling hill regions.
“Tradition, progress, civilization and existence of any caste depends directly on the language and literature of that caste. If our language is our priceless heritage, it is our ultimate duty to protect it and enrich it. I want to inspire and encourage our dear brothers and sisters to always be active in various literary genres involved in the uplifting of their language,” said Chief Minister of Sikkim P.S Tamang in his social media post.
Sadbhavana Divas
August 20th is also celebrated in the memory of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. This day aims to spread affection, national integration, communal harmony, and peace.
