DGU, GSUD celebrate Bhanu Jayanti with cultural unity

The 211th Bhanu Jayanti was celebrated by Dimapur Gorkha Union (DGU) and Gorkha Students’ Union Dimapur (GSUD) at Town Hall, Dimapur, on Saturday under the theme “Our Culture, Our Identity.” The day honoured the contributions of Adikavi Bhanubhakta Acharya, revered as the pioneer of Nepali literature.
Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) Councillor, Ward No. 9, Lanutoshi Yaden graced the event as special guest, while DGU President, Kumar Subba, was Guest of Honour.
In his address, Lanutoshi said Bhanu Jayanti symbolises the cultural unity of the Gorkha community. He emphasized the importance of honouring meritorious students and described them as the pride and future of the community. He praised DGU and GSUD for preserving heritage and fostering youth empowerment.
Lanutoshi stated that Bhanu Bhakta Acharya’s legacy reflects not only literary excellence but also a deeper message of service and humility. He urged students to remember that true success is measured by uplifting others, not titles or degrees. “Live a life that speaks for others, not just for yourself,” he quoted in the spirit of Bhanu Bhakta.
He also appreciated the role of teachers, calling them “unseen architects of the future” and lauded their dedication to shaping young minds. Reflecting on the close ties between Gurkhas and Nagas, Lanutoshi said both communities have shared values of honesty, courage, and loyalty, living as neighbours united in respect.
He acknowledged his father, Geoffrey Yaden, for building bridges between communities, and expressed that his own public service role carried the weight of both individual and collective responsibility. He urged Gorkha youth to be proud of their identity while pursuing broader dreams, adding that knowledge should bring growth not just to oneself but to society as a whole.
Guest of honour Kumar Subba also congratulated the students for their hard work and achievements. He thanked the student unions for organising a meaningful event that celebrated Bhanu Bhakta’s literary contributions and inspired academic excellence.
A number of cultural presentations and recognitions marked the programme. The celebration included, candle lighting ceremony; life sketch of Bhanu Bhakta by DGU former president Tika Chandra Rai; duet dances by DGU Naharbari unit (Prasansa Sunar and Mamta Pokhrel), Nepali Gaon unit (Rudui Chetri and Sanjana), and Signal unit (Sujata and Meena); group dance performances by Gorkha Students’ Union Dimapur Public College and Pranab College Dimapur; special appearance by Nikato Y. Tamang and short speech by NERSNA president, Maniram Ale
HSSLC topper Sonia Rai, successful HSLC and HSSLC students, recent graduates, and teachers were felicitated during the event. Special acknowledgment was also given to Gorkha Gaon Buras from Dimapur, invited guests, Britain’s Got Talent second runner-up Binita Chetry, and various student bodies under Dimapur including Western Sumi Youth Front and All Nagaland Gorkha Students’ Union.
The programme was chaired by DGU press and publicity secretary, Rashmi Chetan Subba, with a welcome address by GSUD president, Imnatula Chetri, and a vote of thanks delivered by GSUD vice president, Deepak Rai.