BIRATNAGAR, Nov 11: The Koshi Province Government has implemented the Act on the Use of Languages in Official Government Business from today, marking a step toward protecting and promoting the province's linguistic diversity.
Province Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki announced the implementation of the Act on the 141st birth anniversary of Mahaguru Palgunanda Lingden, a national luminary and social reformer who founded the Kirat religion.
Karki described the implementation of the Act as an important step toward respecting linguistic diversity and promoting the use of different languages in provincial government affairs.
Province 1 officially named as Koshi Province amid protest
On the occasion, Karki also declared Kartik 25 (November 11) as Language Day in the province, to be observed annually in recognition of its multi-ethnic, multilingual and multicultural identity.
In his message, the chief minister paid tribute to Mahaguru Palgunanda for his contributions to promoting truth, non-violence, peace, equality and social harmony.
He also recalled Falgunanda's efforts to challenge social evils, discriminatory practices and harmful traditions.
Highlighting the importance of language preservation, Karki said languages were not merely tools of communication but also carried the identity, history, culture and civilization of communities.
He noted that the loss of a language would also mean the disappearance of the knowledge, traditions and cultural heritage passed down through generations.
