JUMLA, May 5: In order to preserve the Khas language which is on the verge of extinction, Tatopani Rural Municipality in the district has decided to introduce language course books at schools in the area. In the first phase, textbooks on the language for Grades 1, 2 and 3 have been sent to print. Chairperson of the rural municipality, Nadaraj Neupane, shared that since Jumla is considered as one of the places of the origin of the Nepali language, the preservation and promotion of the Nepali language is the key responsibility of the local government. "The course books for Grade 1-3 have gone to the print, however, it may take some time for the textbooks of Grade 4 and 5 to be printed. The students learning the language in their classrooms on a daily basis is evident to preserve the language,” said Neupane.
The textbooks comprise of the country's historical, religious and cultural details along with a description of the ethnic languages, customs and traditions. “We hope this approach will help the children learn to respect differences which in turn will strengthen cultural harmony,” he added.
‘Sanskrit dying in its own land’
The textbooks have been designed to provide students with information and understanding on diverse subjects, according to Neupane.
The textbook plan was finalized after the fourth meeting of the principals of 28 schools in the rural municipality. Neupane further stated that this initiative also aims to establish the rural municipality as an ideal educational destination. “The curriculum highly prioritizes preserving the identity of the locals and to make the new generation acknowledge the importance of history, culture and the Khas language,” confirmed Neupane.
Of the eight local units of Jumla, Tatopani Rural Municipality is the first one to introduce school textbooks on the Khas language. “Acknowledging the value and importance of one's culture and language, students, teachers and parents in the rural municipality have extended their support to this initiative,” he said.
