TORONTO: Canadian Newa Guthi Observed the “4th World Newah Day” with an array of programs in the virtual mode. At the beginning, Newah girl Ayushi Awal welcomed the guests in the traditional way.
Officially welcoming the guests, Guthi’s General Secretary Bimal Shrestha expressed his happiness in welcoming Mayor Patrick Brown and other distinguished guests and highlighted the importance of observing “World Newah Day”.
Inaugurating the program, Guthi’s President Prakas Pradhan remarked that celebrating the “World Newah Day” in a global way will definitely bring awareness among Newah people about the unique Newah heritage.
President Pradhan further added that Canada was the country where all tiers of governments extended support the many cultures of its people. After the inauguration, Ms. Ranjana Sainju and Mr. Amar Sainju recited auspicious tunes on the Sitar.
Brampton City Mayor Patrick Brown lauded the unique culture and heritage of the Newah community. Mayor Brown recalling his Nepal visit, praised the fascinating and lively arts and heritage of Kathmandu along with wonderful hospitality of the Nepalese people.
Mayor Brown further added that the presence of Newah community in Brampton city has widened the multicultural spectrum of Brampton.
Season Shrestha, World Newah Organization President and special guest at the program, said that World Newah Day was observed every last Saturday of March to preserve Newah heritage, language and culture by uniting Newah people living across the world.
President Shrestha said that Newah script ‘Ranjana’ was submitted to the United Nation by Nepal government to get membership, which proved the richness Newah heritage.
Another guest speaker Prof. Dr. Tom O’Neil of Brock University commended the activities carried out by Guthi for community development. Prof. Dr. Neil recalled the joint project between Brock University and Canadian Newa Guthi on studying “Living standards of Nepalese people of GTA” in 2016.
Another speaker, Nepalese Canadian Heritage Center President Dr. Hari Gurung, opined that Canadian Newa Guthi was one of the active community-based organizations of Nepalese community and admired the various activities carried out by Guthi.
Ph.D. student on Newah Buddhism at Toronto University Ian Turner said that he found Newah culture and heritage to be rich and vibrant.
Turner urged Guthi to transfer Newah indigenous skills to youngsters for its preservation. Turner delivered his speech in Newah language. Ms. Amber Moore, another Ph. D. student on Newah Buddhism at the same university conveyed her greetings on the occasion of World Newah Day and explained about her research on “Bajrayogini” the Buddhist tantric deity.
In the second phase, during the talk session on Newah Heritage, Guthi’s Vice President Uttam Makaju delivered a talk on “Guthi System and Sustainability Practices”, elaborating on the essences and reasons of continuation of Guthi in Nepal till date though it was started in centuries ago.
In same way, youth committee members Ayushan Shrestha and Avis Shrestha highlighted on the “ Role of Youths in Preserving Newah Culture” and emphasized on the importance youth-oriented programs.
Guthi’s Secretary Dr. Prajwal Pradhan delivering a power point presentation on “ Newah Architecture and Indigenous Technical Skills”, elucidated the basis behind intactness of Newah monuments from recent earthquakes in Nepal.
Last speaker Social Worker Ms. Prakisha Pradhan speaking on “ Newah Intangible Heritage”, explicated the unnoticed positive impacts of Newah intangible heritage. At the end of the session Mr. Suman Rajbanshi thanked all for their support to make the event successful.
In the third phase, “Holi “ celebration was observed and guests were entertained with “ Holi” songs, Newah folk songs and instrumental numbers by local artists.