Siliguri, 23 September 2023
The English translation of Golsimal, a collection of folk tales from Sikkim and its vicinity, collected and complied by Prof. Dr. Pushpa Sharma was launched in Siliguri on Saturday. Published by Buk Ant Publication, the work has been translated into English by Mahesh Paudyal.
Speaking on the occasion, linguist and grammarian Dr. Gokun Sinha said, “Folklore is a heritage as old as human civilization. Our forefathers have stored their precious knowledge in folklore and left it for future generations. The tradition of folklore determines the mental height of any community. Folklore is an index of social prosperity. The tradition of Nepali folklore is not weaker than that of other communities. Dr. Pushpa Sharma has done a great job by collecting rich Himalayan folktales that will be useful for contemporary and future generations. The task of translation of original Nepali Golsimal to English is a timely initiative.”
Analyzing the historical tradition of folklore, the co-professor of the Nepali Department of Sikkim University Dr. Balram Pandey said, “Collecting folklore is challenging in itself. Golsimal has a radiant representation of selected folk tales of the Nepali community. While the society is increasingly alienated from human values, Golsimal has tried to revive the wider world of memory to the human society.”
Compiler Sharma said folklores have always been a special interest to her. “I have been hearing folktales from my grandmother and other sources since childhood. The message carried by folklore is relevant even in the modern era. In the absence of script, the lifestyle of tribal communities doesn’t get documented. Thus they become historyless. Golsimal is one such conservation initiatives. Folklore is grown only in the oral tradition. By documenting these folklores in any language, the great tribal tradition is preserved. The folk tradition of our Nepali society is very rich. It is the responsibility of all of us to build and maintain it,” she added.
A discussion on ‘Golsimal and The Himalayan Folklore’ was also held at the function. Smriti Pradhan played the role of facilitator in the discussion session participated by the head of the Nepali Department of North Bengal University and folklorist Dr. Dr. Pushkar Parajuli, Associate Professor of Nepali Department of Silgarhi College and Translation Specialist Princess Dahal, Dr. Pushpa Sharma and Dr. Suraj Gurung participated in the role of the source person.
Singer Rajni Sundas performed a folk song and nail painter Ajay Kumar Sarkar enthralled the audience by creating an instant nail-painting of Golsimal. Dr. Pankaj Thapa, painter and ex-professor of Golsimal art also shared his views on the occasion.
Poet Gyanendra Khatiwada attended the event as the Chief Guest. The ceremony was conducted by Suraj Gurung with Sanjay Bantwa as the Special Guest.
