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Newar Cultural Center
A Profile
On January 18, 1992 Nepal Bhasha Parishad (A Non-Governmental Literary
Organization) organized a symposium of distinguished scholars, intellectuals,
writers and social workers of the Newar community to discuss a ling-felt
need for an authoritative academic institution to work systematically
for the preservation and promotion of the languages (Nepal Bhasha), literature
and cultural heritage of the Newars. The participants unanimously endorsed
the idea of founding a Nepal Bhasha Academy and devised a feasible framework
of operation.
On September 5, 1992 the constitution of the Nepal Bhasha Academy was
formally approved and an Academic Council with a maximum number of 75
members was formed. Thus the Nepal Bhasha Academy was established born
as a self-governing corporate body.
On August 30, 1999 the Nepal Bhasha Academy enjoyed full legal status
when it was registered under the Association registration Act 2034 of
His Majesty's Government of Nepal.
Since its inception, the Nepal Bhasha Academy has actively carried out
some outstanding research work and also published some basic books on
Newar language literature and culture.
It organized a major exhibition of Nepalese Pauva (Scroll) Paintings at
Nepal Art Gallery, Baber Mahal in November 2000 displaying the creative
genius of young artists in developing the traditional form and style of
the Pauva (Scroll) Paintings with a distinctive national character.
To materialize its objectives, the Academy has also been engaging within
limited means in other creative activities.
History tells us that the indigenous people of the Kathmandu valley are
the Newars. Possessing a high degree of culture materially and a complex
social organization, they made Kathmandu valley what it was and is today.
In course of time, the Newars were spread all over Nepal and wherever
they went, they developed urban areas and preserved their cultural traditions.
The creative art and culture of the Newars, developed with a distinctive
national character are considered as purely Nepalese and become a national
heritage. Today, UNESCO in keeping with the idea that are and culture
belong to all rather than to a select few has designated the ancient monumental
sites of the Kathmandu Valley as a world cultural heritage, the treasure
of all mankind.
However, it is a pity that at present there are some Newars who are becoming
unfamiliar with their native language and ancestral culture. The 1991
Census of the Kingdom of Nepal put the total population of Newars in the
country at 1,041,090 or4 5.63 % of the total population of Nepal. And
351,083 (out of 1,041,090) Newars (33.72%) have already given up their
mother language or forgotten to speak it. Some of them (mostly the Newars
who reside in the hills and in the Terai) even became unacquainted with
their cultural heritage.
Whereas, today one can find in the Kathmandu valley so many new churches,
gurudwars, bhavans, mandirs, monasteries, cultural centers and the like
built to promote spiritual and cultural heritage of different ethnic groups
and societies, but the Newars of the Kathmandu Valley, though they are
socially and culturally very rich, do not possess even a single common
platform to stand on. So, naturally they are feeling far behind, lacking
vitally in their social and cultural activities.
In this context, the Nepal Bhasha Academy has thought it proper to launch
a building scheme to set up a Newa Cultural Centre. As a matter of fact
it is an effort to demonstrate how the intellectuals of the Newar Community
residing within Nepal and abroad can co-operate and support in the fields
of glorifying their identity, mother language and culture not only for
the present generation but for future generations too. When such a Newa
Cultural Centre will materialize, a member of the Newar community or a
visitor of any community may get an opportunity to become acquainted with
the history, mother language, literature, customs and culture of the Newars.
Today, we are proud to record here that the Kirtipur Municipality has
already approved the above proposal and generously donated to Nepal Bhasha
Academy 15 ropanis of land which lie within the area of its Ward No. 2.
The site is popularly known as "The Nyama Sima" (Five giant
trees growing from one single root). It is located on an elevated tract
of land over looking the Tribhuvan University and Bagmati river, with
a panorama of Kathmandu and Lalitpur cities and the snow-clad peaks along
the north-east horizon.
Within the periphery of the 15 ropanis of land the Newa Cultural Center
(identified as a Tajilaji Layeku = Cultural Palace) will include the following
construction works-
1. Temple
An artistic temple dedicated to Saraswati, the Goddess of Learning. It
will be a shrine for intellectuals, students and others alike. Religious
and social ceremonies may also be held here jointly by concerned family
members.
2. Gallery of Statues
A gallery of statues, against a background of natural setting with a statue
of Shankhadhar Sakhwa, the national personality who founded the Nepal
Era, and statues of other well-known literary and other personalities
distinguished in different field. Indeed it will be a hall of fame and
sanctity.
3. Open-Air-Stage
"Dabu" (Open-Air-Stage) around Nyama Sima for conducting various
programmers.
Funding for start-up costs has been already managed. The Nepal Basha Academy
is very thankful to its donor-agency.
4. Lecture Hall
One multipurpose lecture hall with the capacity of accommodating 150-200
persons on the ground floor. The upper part will be a roof-garden for
entertainment and refreshment.
The Nepal Bhasha Academy is proud to announce that the construction of
the Lecture Hall may be said to have already been decided with all necessary
financial support.
5. Guest House
One guest house with 20-30 rooms, priority to stay being given to scholars
and intellectuals involved in research work on Newar language and culture.
6. Newa Cultural Center (identified
as the Cultural Palace)
The main building of the Newa Cultural Center will have 3 storeys-
a. An auditorium with the capacity of accommodating 400-500 seats in the
ground floor, equipped with a modern stage.
b. Library, Art-Gallery and Museum will be housed on the first floor where
one can find collections showing the precious cultural heritage of the
Newar community as a whole.
c. The Secretariat of the Academy and store rooms will be on the second
floor.
7. Zigzag Garden
To form a zigzag garden with the natural settings of the Nyama Sima.
8. Newa FM Radio
The Newars are the indigenous people of the Kathmandu Valley. They are
densely populated in three major cities and in urban area too. They have
their own mother language. It is popularly known as Newar Language.
The Nepal Bhasa Academy, a non - governmental organization, is already
dedicated to work for the upliftment and promotion of the Newar Community.
So it thought it proper to set up its own Newa F.M. Radio of 100 megahertz
within the compound of the Newar Cultural Center at Kirtipur.
This Newa F.M. Radio will be the most effective medium in Newar language
to cover a larger range of Newar populace.
The Nepal Bhasa Academy has already applied for the license in the Ministry
of Information and Communication of His Majesty's Government. Now practical
preparations are on the way.
Such, in outline, are a few of the more important aspects of the building
scheme. But now the question lies before us is how to materialize it.
We are aware that in the absence of your most valuable help and support,
our enthusiasm will suffer very badly. So we most humbly request you to
become a farsighted donor to support us with your donations either in
kind of cash. Better still you can support us by taking up yourself (on
jointly) one of the building projects of your choice. We would be extremely
grateful if you take interest and help us by making a donation.
After all, the Newa Cultural Center belongs to all Newar communities.
Hence we need your helping hands.
We request you to contact us either directly or send your donations through
the banks. If you have any concrete suggestions and comments you can send
them to us. They will be very helpful.
Lastly the Nepal Bhasha Academy appeals once more to all well wishers
of the Newar community whether they may be residing in Nepal or abroad
to come forward and extend their co-operation and provide generous contributions
to materialize the building scheme of the Newa Cultural Center.
Indeed, it will be a living testimony of the Newars to have a common Newa
Cultural Center built in the traditional architectural style.
Names of the donors' will be inscribed in the monumental inscription so
that the history of Newars may remember them forever.
If you wish to be key patrons, you are always welcome.
You will be kept informed how and where your donation is being spent.
Thank you.
Please note:
For Contact
1.Nepal Bhasha Academy
Ram Hari's New Building, 4th floor
Ward No. 17, Chhatrapati
Kathmandu, Nepal
Ph. No. 268795
P.Box: 13926
For sending donations
1. Nepal Bhasha Academy
S/A No. 311743
Agricultural Development Bank
New Road, Kathmandu
Nepal
2. Nepal Bhasha Academy
18-0201693-01
Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Ltd.
Kantipath, Kathmandu
Nepal
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