Linguistic discrimination and conflict

As long as there is unfairness, the goal of an inclusive and prosperous Nepal is impossible.

Gyani Maya Kusunda, one of the two fluent mother-tongue speakers from a nearly extinct language, died last year in her hometown Lamahi, Dang in western Nepal. Sadly, the loss of a mother-tongue speaker from such a highly endangered ethnic community of Nepal didn't receive any attention from the state nor engender discussion in the public sphere. The demise of 82-year-old Gyani Maya is not just the loss of language; it is the loss of Kusunda culture, tradition and history, and most importantly, a source of knowledge of the community that enriches the world. This sort of apathy reflects the Nepali state's century-long discriminatory treatment and negative attitude towards the languages spoken across different ethnic and linguistic groups of the country. The continued disregard towards the grievances of ethnic and linguistic communities for recognition and protection of their mother languages and linguistic human rights are anticipated to trigger a conflict situation in society, threatening peace and prosperity.