“I am the only one left who can speak our language” – Gyani Kusunda

Efforts to save the Kusunda tribe of Nepal

Gyani, born in nomadic jungle tribe called Kusunda, is currently in her declining years. She had lots of ups and downs in her life but she is troubled about only one thing in her old age. That is after she dies, their tribal language may die with her. ‘I am the only one left who can speak our language,’ she said in her own language, ‘after I die, no one will speak this language.’

‘Our language has disappeared,’ Gyani continued, ‘all people of my age are dead, and now there is no one left to teach our language to new generations.’ She expressed her worries about the lack of protection for Kusunda language. She has migrated through various forests during her entire life and can only recall that she was born in the east of Nepal as second child of her parents. All her four siblings have passed away.

Kusunda tribe had traditionally been living in jungles but Gyani did not have to live in the woods for long. When she was twelve, her family started social life from the shed of a villager.

Nepal is a country with large indigenous and tribal populations; however, many of its tribes have not been able to come to the mainstream movement for rights of indigenous and tribal peoples yet. Kusunda is one such tribe also known as banrajas, literally meaning kings of jungles. The tribe is currently in the verge of extinction and has recently begun organizing its peoples for the protection and development of their tribal identity and culture. Though long time has passed since Kusundas started living social life, their economic situation remains dire.

A Kusunda Bikas Samaj (Kusunda Development Society) has been established in Nepal’s western district of Dang almost a year ago to bring together Kusundas from all over the country for their economic, social, cultural, educational and linguistic progress. Kusundas have their own distinct language, culture, tradition and customs. So far, 159 Kusundas have affiliated with the society. The 2001 census of Nepal had enumerated 164 families of the tribe.

Kusunda tribe used to live by hunting birds with traps and bow and arrows and gathering forest plants during their jungle life. They are now living in public lands in different districts in western Nepal. Given their dire economic situation, they have urged all concerned stakeholders for economic and/or educational assistance. Their body registered as an NGO at local administration office has prepared various programs to work towards their demands for provision of lands and acknowledgement as endangered tribe, among others.

Translated and Edited by Prabindra Shakya (shakya.prbn@gmail.com) from Devika GM’s article originally published on USNepalonline.com. For the article in (Khas) Nepali, see the link below

http://usnepalonline.com/indigenous/kusunda-united-for-their-rights.html