DIMAPUR: The 212th Bhanu Jayanti was celebrated with cultural pride and community solidarity by Gorkha student bodies in Chümoukedima and Mokokchung, honouring the literary legacy of Adikavi Bhanubhakta Acharya.
In Chümoukedima, the Gorkha Students’ Union Chümoukedima District (GSUCD) organised the celebration at CTC Hall on June 13, with vibrant participation from community members, students, youth organisations, women, social leaders and well wishers.
The programme was graced by Thepfulhoutuo Shüya, former chairman of Chümoukedima Town Council, as chief guest; Watila Rashmi Subba, former vice president of Ethnic Group of Nagaland (EGoN) and recipient of the District Award for Social Work (HIV awareness), as special invitee; and Shibu Sunar, former president of Gorkha Students’ Union Dimapur, as guest of honour. The first session, chaired by John Dornal Chettri, general secretary of Chümoukedima District Gorkha Union, began with a floral tribute to Aadikavi Bhanubhakta Acharya, followed by a welcome address from GSUCD president Ajay Thapa.
The celebration featured cultural dances, recitation of the famous Ghansi poem, an energetic Khukuri Dance by Singrijan & Khopanala Youth Association (SKYA), and a musical performance by renowned classical singer Suraj Bhujel. Dignitaries highlighted the literary contributions of Bhanubhakta Acharya and stressed the importance of preserving Nepali language, culture and heritage. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Jacob Sundas, working president of Chümoukedima Town Gorkha Youth.
A major highlight of the day was the Solidarity Gathering organised by GSUCD to express unwavering support for the minor survivor in the recent alleged sexual assault case. Members of the Gorkha community, students, youth, women and civil society organisations assembled in solidarity, strongly condemning violence against children and demanding speedy justice and stringent punishment for the accused under law. Participants carried placards with messages such as “Justice for the Minor Survivor,” “Protect Every Child,” “Stop Child Sexual Abuse,” and “Silence Protects Abusers, Speak Up,” sending a powerful message against child sexual violence.
Speakers observed that the ideals of Aadikavi Bhanubhakta Acharya-truth, justice, compassion and social harmony- remain relevant today and should inspire citizens to stand united against injustice while safeguarding the dignity and rights of children. The programme concluded with refreshments and an evening cultural extravaganza showcasing traditional songs and dances by various Gorkha units, reflecting the rich heritage of the community.
In Dimapur, the 212th Bhanu Jayanti was celebrated in Dimapur with cultural pride and community participation, organised jointly by the Dimapur Gorkha Union (DGU) and Gorkha Students’ Union Dimapur (GSUD).
The programme began with a welcome address by GSUD president Imnatula Chetri, followed by a life sketch of Adikavi Bhanu Bhakta Acharya presented by DGU president Kumar Subba.
On the occasion, DGU and GSUD felicitated Rahul Chetri, GB Nepali Basti and chief advisor of DGU & GSUD. The unions also honoured three toppers from the Gorkha community for their outstanding academic performance in the 2026 examinations- Jemimah Grace (HSLC, Holy Cross Hr. Sec. School), Jason Rai (HSLC, Livingston Foundation International School), and Shristi Thapa (HSSLC, St. Mary Hr. Sec. School). Pass out students and Gorkha teachers were also felicitated.
As part of the observance, the unions held a two minute silent prayer for the speedy recovery of a Gorkha student who was sexually assaulted on July 7 at Medziphema Ward 9.
The celebration featured cultural dance performances by students from Dimapur Government College and other DGU units, showcasing the rich heritage of the community.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Kishan Lama, president of Gorkha Students’ Union Public College. Organisers described the celebration as inspirational and encouraging, reflecting unity and cultural pride.
In Mokokchung, the Gorkha Students’ Union Mokokchung (GSUM) celebrated Bhanu Jayanti at Town Hall on July 13..
Atsungba Walling, Additional Deputy Commissioner and CEO, Mokokchung Municipal Council, graced the event as special guest. In his address, Walling lauded the Gorkha community for preserving its cultural heritage and emphasised the role of literature and language in fostering unity. He recalled the arrival of Gorkha forefathers in Mokokchung and praised their peaceful coexistence with the Ao community, strengthened through mutual respect, family ties and inter community marriages. He also paid tribute to his former teacher B.B. Gurung, noting that the merit award instituted in his honour was a fitting recognition of his service. Urging the younger generation to remain rooted, Walling encouraged them to preserve their language and culture while upholding the legacy of Bhanu Bhakta Acharya.
Guest of honour Ganesh Rai, managing director of Lotus English Boarding School, Dharan, Nepal, also addressed the gathering, speaking on the enduring legacy of Bhanu Bhakta Acharya and encouraging youth to uphold linguistic and cultural traditions while contributing positively to society.
The celebration featured cultural performances, songs, recitations and presentations reflecting the rich heritage of the Nepali speaking community. Participants paid tribute to the poet whose translation of the Ramayana into Nepali made literature accessible to the common people and earned him the title Adikavi.
The programme also felicitated HSLC and HSSLC toppers and included prize distribution for a literary event held prior to the celebration.