Majhi Youths Run Campaign to Preserve Language and Culture
Majhi community youths in Ramechhap have launched a campaign to preserve their language, traditions, and culture.
To support this effort, younger generations are learning from elders and organizing intergenerational knowledge transfer programs focused on language and customs.
They have also formed a social dialogue platform named Maje Sawa to engage in discussions on social issues relevant to the Majhi community.
Recently, this organization conducted a language and culture training program for children and adolescents in 10 locations within the district, which concluded on Wednesday.
Community-Based Language Training
Bal Krishna Majhi, a local from Gaikhura, Manthali Municipality–8, stated that preserving the Majhi identity depends on saving their language and culture.
He mentioned that training sessions were conducted in several localities including:
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Gaikhura
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Jakhnitar
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Hatechaur
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Kunauri
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Rumalechowk
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Hattitar
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Seleghat
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Bhatauli
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Rajgaon of Khadadevi Rural Municipality
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One additional area with significant Majhi population
Children and adolescents from these areas participated in the training programs.
Intergenerational Transmission and Concerns
According to Maje Sawa coordinator Shree Bahadur Majhi, the programs were initiated to ensure that the younger generation does not forget their ancestral language, religion, customs, and traditions.
Fishing and boating in rivers and ghats have long been the traditional occupations of the Majhi community.
However, elders expressed concern that these livelihoods are now at risk due to increasing use of chemicals in rivers for fishing and the construction of motorable and suspension bridges across many areas.
Financial Support and Community Response
The training initiative received financial support from the Indigenous Himalayan Society.
Local resident Jangabir Majhi remarked that if youth continue to show interest, the preservation of the Majhi community’s language and culture will become more manageable.
Ramechhap