About Kirat Khambu Language and culture study centre,Darjeeling in Harsing Sakha, Lebong, Darjeeling

Kirat Khambu Language and Culture Study Centre

Aims and Objectives:

The Kirat Khambu Language and Culture Study Centre has been initiated with the intention of promoting and preserving the Khambu language and culture. In this age of information and technology, where words like globalization, free market, universalism, information superhighway etc have become the new mantras, our concept might sound regressive and politically incorrect. However, our intention is not to restore old barriers but to build new bridges between the old and the new. Our desire is to contribute our share in adding colour to the complexly colorful ocean of humanity. We believe very strongly that diversity is one of the key ingredients which make not only the human family but the entire universe very interesting. Moreover, the founding fathers of our country honestly believed that there can be unity in diversity. The last sixty-six years of Indian history has proven this belief to be correct.

The Kirawas are one of the oldest ethnic groups in this world. Our language and culture have withstood the onslaught of the phenomena called change. Preserving these two will undoubtedly help us in particular and humanity in general. In this increasingly homogeneous and technology-dependent world, the threat of global warming and hegemony of larger ethnic groups have created an imbalance which threaten the very existence of the human society. In a situation like this understanding old cultures like ours could help academics and policymakers in seeking alternative routes to sustain the present civilization. It is no secret that westerners are in awe of the so called Indian phenomena. The system, order, precision and organization obsessed western society has been looking eastwards for a long time now. Western governments and multinational companies have time and again picked up a leaf from the history and culture of the east. So it is in the best interest of the global community to preserve the languages and cultures of ancient ethnic groups like ours.

Our pilot project is the Khambu language class that has been underway since February of this year. Under the aegis of Dr. Pratap Singh Rai and Sangdewa/mas (teacher), Mohan Rai, Ram Kumar Rai and Man Kumari Rai we have been successfully running this language class for over three months now at Bhadra Sheela Memorial Institutions School, Harsing. Dr. Rai has offered the facilities of his school another member Arjun Kishore Rai has donated a portion of his land to construct the Study Centre building. Plans have already been prepared and approved and very soon the construction will begin. A governing board was formed at the outset in order to ensure the smooth functioning of the Centre. Arpan Rai, Binita Rai and Pancham Rai were chosen to head the board as President, Secretary and Treasurer respectively. It was decided that the Principal of Bhadra Sheela Memorial Instructions would be the ex-officio member at all times.