A daylong conference on ‘Bhoti language; challenges and opportunities’ held on September 2 at Nagarjuna Auditorium, CIBS, Choglamsar. The conference was organised by Culture and Language Welfare Society in line with the year-long centenary birth celebration of Gyalsras Bakula Rinpoche.

 

Culture and Language Welfare Society is a registered society formed by the alumni of CIBS.

 

The speakers expressed the importance and various challenges faced in developing and promoting the Bhoti language. They said that the Bhoti language has been neglected by the State itself as only 33 posts of teachers are sanctioned in around 400 government schools in the district.

Also, a stress was made to create further opportunities and scope in learning the language as there is an absence of language department in the college.

Dr. Sonam Dawa, CEC informed that around 170 posts for Bhoti language has been created a few years back but were covertly converted into Kashmiri. “We have taken up the matter with the state government and hopefully the matter will be resolved which will somehow solve a part of challenges faced”, he added.

He further assured for all possible effort and struggle to develop and promote the Bhoti language.

Tsewang Thinles, President, LBA, informed about the committee formed to pursue the recognition of Bhoti language in the 8th Schedule of the India Constitution.

“Students do feel the importance and are willing to learn the language but there is a lack of teachers and further opportunities. We need to look at and act on these issues. A platform is needed where the interested people can learn”, he added.

Talking about the utilization of funds generated by LBA, he said, “In the coming days we are planning to allot 60% of the LBA’s budget on development and promotion of the cultural identity of the region.”\r\n

Highlighting the activities carried out by the Bakula Rinpoche Birth Centenary Celebration Committee, Morup Namgyal, Vice Chairman of the committee informed about the proposal put forward to Mehbooba Mufti, Chief Minister for building a research center in the name of Bakula Rinpoche.  Also, a proposal was made to introduce annual state award in the name of Kushok Bakula Rinpoche.

Gyen Nawang Paldan, Geshes Konchok Wangdus, Gyen Urgain Dadul, Dr. Thupsatn Paldan also spoke on the occasion.