Lepcha language program launched on Radio Salesian FM

GANGTOK/DARJEELING

The West Bengal Mayalang Lepcha Development Board (WBMLLDB) Chairman Ren Lyangsong Tamsang launched the Lepcha language program on Radio Salesian 90.8 FM, on October 19.

Lepcha tribe is the indigenous tribe in Sikkim and Darjeeling region.

Speaking at the event, Chairman Ren Tamsang praised the initiative taken by Radio Salesian to save the vanishing Lepcha language and culture saying, “Catholic missionary effort is to save. It is much greater than destroying.”

Tamsang thanked Radio Salesian saying, “In working for Lepcha language and community, you are following instructions of Pope Francis who encourage people to promote ancient and indigenous cultures.”

Lepcha Board formally made up in 2013 is one of 18 tribal boards in the Darjeeling hills.

The Lepcha language radio program comprises “Message to Lepcha Community” in which Lepcha personalities, folktales, and instruction on language and culture will be aired in Lepcha language.

The program is prepared by three young Lepcha Radio Journalists Liesa Lepcha, Suk Tshering Lepcha and Jilbert Lepcha who completed one month of intense training with Radio Salesian.

The one-hour-long weekly program will be broadcast on Saturday 6:00 pm with a repeat on Monday 3:00 pm from Saturday 24th October 2020. The program will also be available on the web app “Listen2MyRadio” by searching “Radiosalesian” on Saturday at 6:00 pm with a repeat on Sunday at 6:00 am. The same program could be heard on Monday at 3:00 pm and Tuesday at 3:00 am worldwide.

Lepcha Language with its original script is claimed as one of the ancient languages of the hills and also an official language of the hills until 1911.