The Nepalese communities living in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada recently observed International Mother Language Day amidst a special function at Lansdowne Community Hall on Sunday February 21, 2016. The cultural event was organized by Newa Cultural Society of Alberta (NCSA).

The cultural event was inaugurated by Dr. Narayan Pokharel, President of Nepali Literary Club of Alberta (NCLA), by lighting up the Panas, a mini traditional artistic oil lamp of Nepal.  Meanwhile, February 21 is marked as International Mother Language Day since 2000 to promote peace, prosperity, and multilingualism.

Welcoming the guests in the cultural event, Dr. Hemanta Joshi, President of NCSA, highlighted briefly about annual activities (including Newa language classes for the children) of the Society in practicing, promoting and preserving Newa language, culture and traditions in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.  He stressed the need for preserving and protecting all the languages of the world, including Newa language, from the possibility of extinction.  He also proposed for the tradition of celebrating International Mother Language Day in Edmonton from next year involving all ethnic backgrounds to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.

Dr. Narayan Pokharel, briefly spoke about the history behind celebrating February 21 as International Mother Language Day.  He also spoke about the importance of celebrating International Mother Language Day in Edmonton.  Mr. Rameshwar Adhikari, President of Nepalese Canadian Society of Edmonton (NECASE), highlighted the initiation taken by different Nepali organizations like NECASE, NCSA and Gurukul in educating children in their mother languages in Edmonton.  Mr. Tri Prasad Dhaubhadel briefly described about the linguistic movement in Bangladesh.  According to him people need to maintain their mother language to preserve their unique culture and traditions.  Dr. Pawan Nyachhyon, Vice-President of NCSA, noted about value and importance of cultural events in mother languages especially when people moved far away from their motherland.

On the cultural event, Dr. Narayan Pokharel, Dr. Ai Gurung and Mr. Birendra Kayastha recited poems in their mother languages (Nepali, Gurung, and Nepal Bhasha).   Mr. Birendra Kayastha also recited English translation of his poem.  Dr. Pawan Nyachhyon and Mrs. Rupa Nyachhyon surprised the participants by singing a beautiful song in Nepal Bhasha.  Dr. Ai Gurung also surprised the participants performing a beautiful Gurung melody in the flute.  Dr. Kishor Shrestha, Secretary of the NCSA, expressed his satisfaction over the success of the cultural event and thanked all the guests and participants for their valuable contributions. The cultural event was facilitated by Mr. Sarju Ranjit and Dr. Nami Shrestha.  Light refreshment was served at the end of the cultural event.