Nijgadh, Bara — In a powerful display of inclusion and respect, Nijgadh Municipality, in collaboration with Fast Track Media Pvt. Ltd., organised a special ceremony to honour individuals who have significantly contributed to promoting the social identity of the Dalit community, upholding traditional occupations, and fostering caste harmony.
The event celebrated inter-caste (Dalit–non-Dalit)
married couples, workers engaged in traditional occupations, and long-time
Dalit rights activists. Honourees were publicly recognised with ceremonial
shawls and certificates for their dedication and impact.
Breaking Barriers Through Inter-Caste
Marriages
The highlight of the programme was the recognition of
couples who defied caste-based social norms by choosing love over
discrimination. As these couples stood on stage to receive their honours, the
audience erupted in applause.
"Society once criticised us for our relationship, but today, we’ve been
honoured on stage. It feels empowering," shared one of the honoured
couples.
Respecting Labour and Tradition
Members of the Dalit community engaged in traditional
occupations like tailoring and blacksmithing were also honoured. Organisers
highlighted the importance of respecting labour and acknowledged these trades
as the foundation of community development.
Voices for Justice Recognised
Veteran Dalit rights activists, who have tirelessly
worked for justice and awareness at the grassroots level, were also awarded.
Described as "voices that broke the silence," these activists have
played a vital role in challenging caste-based discrimination.
A Commitment Beyond Symbolism
Addressing the closing ceremony, Deputy Mayor Sommaya
Thing stated, “It is our duty to stand with and respect the Dalit community.
This is not just an event, but a commitment to involve them in future
policy-making.”
Fast Track Media, the event organiser, said the programme
aimed to highlight positive efforts within the Dalit community and spread the
message of inclusivity. Participants echoed this, expressing that such
recognition gives courage to marginalised voices to speak out.
The event, held at Singul Bharatganj in Nijgadh-1, was
chaired by Umesh Ghalan and attended by Deputy Mayor Sommaya Thing as chief
guest. Other speakers included Ward Chairpersons Mangale Lopchan (Ward 1) and
Rajan Shrestha (Ward 2), executive members Phulmaya Lama and Aruna BK, and
social workers Rabiraj Dangal and Beni Moktan.
Earlier in the day, Nijgadh Municipality also marked National
Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and Untouchability 2082
with an interaction programme at the municipal assembly hall. Discussions
focused on Dalit rights and the eradication of caste-based discrimination, with
participation from officials, political representatives, and intellectuals,
chaired by Mayor Surath Puri..
In the second phase of the event, supported by the
municipality’s Executive Targeted Fund, a total of 182 individuals—including
activists, traditional workers, and inter-caste married couples from Wards 1,
2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9—were formally honoured.
The programme was hosted by Maheshwar Adhikari, Chairman
of Fast Track Media.
