Nepali Language in India – A Journey to National Recognition

The recognition of Nepali as one of India’s official languages was not an overnight achievement. It was the result of relentless advocacy, sacrifices, and strategic movements led by numerous individuals and organizations over several decades. The Nepali Bhasha Aandolan (Nepali Language Movement) remains one of the most significant struggles in India’s linguistic history, symbolizing the perseverance of the Nepali-speaking community to safeguard their cultural and linguistic identity.

The Early Influence of Nepali in India

The spread of the Nepali language in India is closely linked to historical events and migration patterns. The Gorkha Empire, under King Prithvi Narayan Shah, expanded into the Himalayan regions in the 18th century, bringing Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kumaon, and Assam under its influence. However, after the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814-1816) and the Treaty of Sugauli, many Nepali-speaking people found themselves living within British-ruled India instead of Nepal.

During British rule, Nepali-speaking Gorkha soldiers were recruited into the British Indian Army, further strengthening Nepali communities across India. Along with the soldiers, traders, laborers, and monks migrated to different parts of the country, making Nepali a significant language in the Indian linguistic landscape.

The Initial Demand for Recognition (1956)

The earliest recorded appeal for Nepali language recognition in India dates back to January 18, 1956. Anand Singh Thapa, Veer Singh Bhandari, and Narendra Singh Rana, representing the quarterly magazine The Jagrat Gorkha from Dehradun, submitted a formal request to the President of India seeking official status for Nepali. This marked the first official step in the movement, as it brought national attention to the linguistic concerns of the Gorkha and Nepali-speaking communities across India. However, the demand was not immediately acted upon, and the struggle continued for decades.

The Role of Dr. Parasmani Pradhan

One of the most influential figures in the movement was Dr. Parasmani Pradhan, a renowned scholar, author, and poet from Darjeeling. He played a key role in advocating for Nepali language recognition through his literary works and active participation in delegations that met with Indian national leaders. His writings reinforced the historical and cultural significance of Nepali, strengthening the case for its inclusion in India’s list of official languages.

Formation of the All India Nepali Bhasa Samiti (AINBS)

The movement took a more organized form in 1972 with the establishment of the All India Nepali Bhasa Samiti (AINBS). This organization brought together Nepali-speaking citizens from different states, including West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Uttarakhand, and Arunachal Pradesh, to collectively advocate for their linguistic rights. The AINBS played a crucial role in mobilizing people, organizing protests, and influencing policy discussions at the national level.

Political Advocacy and the Role of Dil Kumari Bhandari

The movement gained significant momentum in the 1990s, when political leaders actively pushed for constitutional recognition. Dil Kumari Bhandari, a Member of Parliament from Sikkim, and her husband, Nar Bahadur Bhandari, the then Chief Minister of Sikkim, reignited the movement with greater force. They used their political influence to take the matter to Parliament, emphasizing the need for linguistic equality for the Nepali-speaking population in India. Their persistent efforts culminated in a historic victory on August 20, 1992, when Nepali was officially included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This meant that Nepali was now an officially recognized language of India, eligible for use in government communication, education, and administration.

Nepali and Sahitya Akademi Recognition

Even before its constitutional recognition, Sahitya Akademi, India’s National Academy of Letters, had recognized Nepali as one of its supported languages in 1975. This allowed Nepali literature to be promoted, preserved, and awarded within India’s official literary framework. The support from Sahitya Akademi played a key role in strengthening the movement by demonstrating that Nepali was not only a spoken language but also a rich literary and cultural asset.

Impact of Recognition and Ongoing Challenges

The inclusion of Nepali in the Eighth Schedule was a moment of immense pride and validation for the Nepali-speaking community in India. It ensured that government institutions recognized the language, provided access to official documentation in Nepali, and allowed its teaching in schools. However, despite this milestone, challenges remain:

• Implementation Gaps: While Nepali is constitutionally recognized, it is not uniformly implemented in all government offices and schools.
• State-Level Struggles: Some states with a significant Nepali-speaking population, such as Assam and West Bengal, still face issues in ensuring Nepali representation in local governance and education.
• Linguistic Identity Concerns: Many Nepali speakers continue to fight against cultural and linguistic discrimination, advocating for better integration of Nepali into India’s broader administrative framework.

Movement That Inspires

The Nepali Bhasha Aandolan is not just a story of linguistic recognition; it is a testament to the power of perseverance, unity, and advocacy. The movement has inspired linguistic communities across India to fight for their rights and ensure their cultural heritage is preserved. While challenges remain, the recognition of Nepali as an official language stands as a monumental victory for the Nepali-speaking people, securing their place in India’s diverse linguistic and cultural landscape.