‘Pinda – A Compilation of Kusunda Literature’ Launched on Mother Tongue Language Day

On the occasion of International Mother Tongue Language Day, Archive Nepal unveiled ‘Pinda – A Compilation of Kusunda Literature’ at a special ceremony held at the Kathmandu Marriott Hotel on last Friday. The book is a landmark publication under the project titled ‘Safeguarding the Kusunda (The Ban Raja’s) Language and Culture for Future Generations’, supported by the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund in partnership with the UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport.

The Kusunda language, one of the rarest and most endangered languages globally, has only one fluent speaker, Kamala Sen. The book aims to revitalize the language through creative expressions from five young Kusunda learners. The anthology features works by Hima Kusunda (22), Nirmala Kusunda (17), Anita Nepali (16), Asmita Nepali (17), and Khamba Rokaya (30), who were trained under the mentorship of researcher Uday Raj Aaley. Their writings span various genres, including stories, essays, letters, and conversations, offering a glimpse into Kusunda life and culture.

At the launch event, Badri Pandey, Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, highlighted the significance of language preservation. “Safeguarding the Kusunda language is not only a cultural duty but also a matter of national pride. This anthology is a testament to our collective responsibility to protect our heritage,” he remarked.

The book is divided into five sections, each addressing different aspects of Kusunda life. To make the content more accessible, the texts are accompanied by Nepali translations, broadening their reach among the wider public. This structure bridges the linguistic gap while fostering greater understanding of Kusunda culture.

Monish Singh, Founder and Executive Director of Archive Nepal, underscored the role of youth empowerment in language conservation. “Our approach combines literature and youth engagement to ensure that endangered languages do not fade into oblivion,” he said.

The launch was followed by a panel discussion on ‘Exploring Diverse Strategies for Indigenous Language Preservation’, featuring prominent experts such as Lava Deo Awasthi, Chairman of the Language Commission; Rustom Mody, Country Director of British Council Nepal; Nitu Dangol, Nepal Bhasa instructor; Kamala Pandey, Information Officer at the Language Commission; and Uday Raj Aaley, researcher and Kusunda language advocate. The discussion highlighted the urgent need to integrate indigenous languages into educational curricula and promote linguistic diversity as a cornerstone of cultural development.

Review of ‘Pinda – A Compilation of Kusunda Literature’

‘Pinda’ is more than a collection of writings—it is a powerful testament to the resilience of a vanishing culture. The book blends personal reflections with cultural narratives, offering readers an intimate glimpse into the lives of the Kusunda people. The variety of genres—ranging from heartfelt letters to folklore-inspired stories—creates a multifaceted portrayal of Kusunda traditions and struggles. The inclusion of Nepali translations enhances accessibility, ensuring the voices of the Kusunda community reach a broader audience.

The anthology not only preserves the linguistic heritage of the Kusunda people but also serves as a beacon of hope for the preservation of other endangered languages. It stands as both a literary achievement and a call to action, urging policymakers, linguists, and cultural organizations to invest in language revitalization initiatives before it is too late.

About Archive Nepal

Archive Nepal is a non-profit corporation registered in New York, USA, with 501(c)(3) status, and affiliated with the Social Welfare Council of Nepal. The organization is dedicated to promoting the understanding of Nepal’s rich history and culture by curating, digitizing, and making digital resources accessible to the public.