Boundaries Create Identities and Give Shape to Gorkhaland

Seminar on the Demand for Gorkhaland and its Relevance in 

the Context of Indian Gorkha Identity held in Dehradun

A SEMINAR addressing the demand for Gorkhaland and its significance for the Indian Gorkha identity concluded successfully in Dehradun on Sunday (29 Sept 2013) evening. The event drew a crowd of around 500 Gorkhas from Darjeeling, Delhi, and Dehradun, underscoring the widespread interest in this critical issue.

Darjeeling Foundation Convenor Swaraj Thapa emphasized that the demand for Gorkhaland transcends the boundaries of Darjeeling and its surrounding areas. “The issue of identity is not confined to the Gorkhas of Darjeeling hills but extends to Gorkhas across India, including those in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Assam, and the Northeast,” he stated. The seminar aimed to amplify the voices of Gorkhas and bring their concerns to the forefront.

Ganesh Joshi, MLA from Mussoorie, highlighted the need for Uttarakhand to send a strong message in support of the legitimate demand for Gorkhaland. He assured the audience that he would lead a rally in Dehradun in the coming days to endorse the cause.

Kalimpong MLA Harka Bahadur Chettri spoke passionately about the power of emotional integration among Gorkhas nationwide. “Emotional unity among Gorkhas will lend strength to the demand for Gorkhaland,” he said.

Adding a cultural touch, Indian Idol runner-up Kapil Thapa performed a song he composed on Gorkhaland, resonating with the audience. Reflecting on his personal experiences, he shared how he faced discrimination when he first went to Mumbai for the Indian Idol contest. “I was asked if I came from Nepal, a question that struck me deeply. Such experiences highlight the identity crisis we Gorkhas face,” he remarked.

P. Arjun, a member of the study forum, provided insights into the democratic and non-violent nature of the Gorkhaland movement, led by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM). He lauded the historical contributions of Gorkhas from Uttarakhand to India's freedom struggle, citing Shahid Durga Malla as a prominent example. He urged the audience to recognize their shared challenges and work collectively toward solutions.

Swaraj Thapa reiterated the importance of addressing the identity issue faced by Indian Gorkhas. “The demand for Gorkhaland is synonymous with the identity of every Indian Gorkha across the country. We have contributed significantly to nation-building in areas like security, sports, and academics, yet we often have to clarify our identity as Indians,” he said.

Harka Bahadur Chettri explained that the seminar in Dehradun aimed to connect Gorkhas in Uttarakhand to the broader Gorkhaland movement. He emphasized the need to bridge communication gaps among Gorkhas, which have hindered progress toward statehood. “Through interactive seminars and discussions, we can come closer to solutions and find answers to our problems,” he noted.

Ranjan Sharma, the media coordinator, highlighted the identity crisis among Gorkha youth. “We interacted with the youth attending the seminar and found that the fire of identity crisis burns as intensely here as in Darjeeling,” he said.

Other speakers at the seminar included Col. Bhupendra Singh Chettri, Col. V.K. Sharma, and Col. Bhagwan Singh Chettri, president of Gorkhali Sudhar Sabha, who delivered the welcome address. Various Gorkhali organizations based in Dehradun were also present. The seminar concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session.

Moderated by senior journalist Swaraj Thapa, the seminar was organized by the Darjeeling Foundation. Thapa concluded, “Boundaries create identities, and giving shape to Gorkhaland would resolve lingering doubts about Indian Gorkha identity.” He also announced plans to hold a similar seminar in Guwahati, Assam.

~ BRUCE K. THANGKHAL
in Dehradun, 29 Sept 2013

Special Correspondent
The MIZORAM POST | MANIPUR CHRONICLE | ZOGAM TODAY

 

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