Y. Patton graces 211th Bhanu Jayanti in Dimapur

The 211th Bhanu Jayanti was celebrated with great fervour and cultural vibrancy at the Holy Cross Auditorium, Dimapur, on Sunday.
The event was organised by Hamro Chinhari Nagaland Prant (HCNP) to honour the literary contributions of Adikavi Bhanu Bhakta Acharya and to celebrate the cultural heritage of the Nepali-speaking community.
State deputy chief minister Y. Patton graced the occasion as chief guest, accompanied by A. Pangjung Jamir, advisor for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
Addressing the gathering, Patton recalled his days as the first student of Holy Cross Higher Secondary School and lauded the contributions of the Nepali-speaking community to the growth and harmony of Nagaland.
Paying tribute to Bhanu Bhakta Acharya, Patton highlighted the poet’s role in democratizing literature by translating the Ramayana into Nepali. He said Bhanu Bhakta’s works reflected themes of devotion, nature, and social reform, and carried timeless messages of unity, empathy, and progress.
Patton also acknowledged the Gorkha and Nepali communities’ active role in shaping Nagaland’s development, especially in sectors such as education, healthcare, trade, and agriculture.
He commended the event for encouraging academic excellence among students from various communities and said education was the foundation of social advancement.
The celebration featured a range of cultural presentations including folk dances, songs, and traditional performances that reflected the rich heritage and unity of the participating communities. “Our strength lies in our diversity,” Patton remarked, reaffirming the importance of peaceful coexistence.
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to preserving cultural identity and promoting inclusive development. “Cultural strength adds to societal strength, and organisations like HCNP play a crucial role in nurturing both heritage and youth,” he said.
The event also saw the felicitation of individuals for notable achievements in academics, sports, and public service.
Dr. Mohan Karki, yoga guru and central chief coordinator of Hamro Swabhiman Trust, Haridwar (Uttarakhand), attended as guest of honour. He praised Nagaland’s natural beauty and urged attendees to adopt a healthy lifestyle while working collectively for the state’s betterment.
Keynote addresses were delivered by Dr. Bishnu Bhandari, president of Hamro Chinhari Central (North East India), and author Edward, founder of Livingstone International.
The programme was co-hosted by Roshan Vishwakarma and Anupama Kattel. HCNP president Shiva Kumar BK delivered the welcome address, while the vote of thanks was presented by general secretary Uma Chetri.