In Danger The Identity of The Indigenous People

Everybody loves their own ethnicity, culture and language. So do I. I am Rai which is one of Kirat communities and my religion is Kirati.  I feel so proud when I read the history of the Kirat dynasty. There were 32 Kings in Kirat dynasty who had ruled the country for around 1225 years from pre-historic to historic period. Whereas, if we make the count of Shah dynasty, there were only 13 kings adding Dipendra and Gyanendra who ruled very short time in our country.

The Kirat people include Rai, Limbu, Sunuwar and Yakkha.  Each of them has their different culture, language and attires. They are also indigenous tribes of Nepal.  Among them, I belong to Rai ethnicity. In Rai, there are 32 subdivisions and 28 languages. My division is Chamling. I have different language from others. But it´s very sad to say that I don´t know much about my language.

Likewise, all the languages of indigenous people are in danger of disappearing. The government of Nepal has been run by one tribe of people since long time. The indigenous people have been used by them for their vested benefit. They have not been giving required importance to preserve the cultures, languages and identities of us. In this way, we have been losing everything from generations to generations. One day, we are compelled to forget who we are actually.

 For writing this, I am motivated by the news of giving 12 lacks to celebrate Tamu Lhoshar by the government. Today is the greatest festival of Gurung community which is one of indigenous tribes of Nepal.  Every year, Gurung people celebrate Tamu Lhoshar with their own money at Tudikhel Kathmandu. This year, the Prime minister of Nepal Prachand was invited as the cheap guest for that cause. While addressing the Lhosar, he has announced this amount for Gurung community to observe Lhosar. I felt so happy listening this news. Personally, I would like to thank Prachanda for this initiative.

After reading this blog, people can judge me as a racist. But I don´t mean to say that only the indigenous tribes should be given priorities. As a citizen of Nepal, the government has to treat equally and should give equal opportunities everywhere. The responsibilities of the government are to preserve culture, language and identities of indigenous people. Then only the dream of making developed nation would be possible.