Badhaichha Creation brings “NEWA” on Indra Jatra

SINGTAM, SEPTEMBER 4: Badhaichha Creation, Singtam, has created a documentary aptly named “NEWA” based on Newar Language and Culture. The documentary will be officially released on the auspicious occasion of Indra Jatra at Singtam. Indra Jatra, the biggest festival of the Newar community, is being held for the first time outside Gangtok. The event was held under Sikkim Newar Guthi and organized by the Indra Jatra Celebration Committee 2014.

Praveen Pradhan, managing director of Badhaichha Creation, Singtam, said in a press release, "We have considered this project, keeping in mind that we need to conserve our culture and traditions. We feel proud to say that Sikkim is the only region in the world where the Newar language is recognized as an official state language, and for that, we shall always remain grateful to the Chief Minister of Sikkim."

Uttam Pradhan, famed actor and now Chairman of Sikkim Music, Drama, Dance, and Film Board, played a pivotal role in the documentary. Bikash Pradhan, the first Newar language teacher of Sikkim, wrote the grammar portion used in the documentary. He is now working at Namthang SSS, South Sikkim, and his grammar book is taught in different Government schools in Sikkim.  

The concept behind the documentary was to make available the easiest way to learn the Newar Language. We have designed an elementary Newar speaking course based on Newar grammar, and we believe this medium will help any individual interested in the Newar Language. Besides that, we have focused on Newar household items and a couple of cultural knowledge.

The teams behind this project are Praveen Pradhan, Managing Director, Badhaichha Creation, Singtam, Mohan Pradhan ' Neeraj', Sansthapak Singtam Basibiyalo,  Bikash Pradhan, International Newar Culture performer and Newar Grammar writer from Namthang, South Sikkim and Shital Pradhan, blogger, Proud to be a Sikkimese.