Pithoragarh, Two young women Radio Jockeys have taken Community Radio on the Indo-Nepal border to a whole new level. Manju Tinkari and Ishwari Budhathoki live in Darchula in Nepal belong to the Rung tribal community, which has a large presence in the bordering district of Pithoragarh in India as well.
These talented girls air shows on radio in their native language called Runglwo that has found massive fan following on either side of the international borders.
Sharing their wonderful journey with us, Manju Tinkari, talks from her heart when she says, “It is important to speak one’s native language. It is our heritage that has been passed down by our ancestors. I am grateful to my friends who encouraged me to speak in my native language which is now gaining popularity with others from our tribe.”
Manju started off as a young intern with Community Radio when she was in Class 12th and has today completed four fruitful years with Naya Nepal FM aired on 104.5 Megahertz.
On the other hand, 23-year-old Ishwari Budhathoki has been a radio journalist for Radio Naya Nepal FM for the past three years. Fluent in her native language, Ishwari is an icon for the younger generation who were loosing their hold on their language and culture. She tells us, “I never thought I would be a full time RJ and that too in Runglwo. But now, there is no stopping me! I enjoy my work thoroughly.”
Today, the Rung community on either side of the Indo-Nepal border is proud of these young prodigies. Yogesh Gabriyal speaks for everyone when he says “These young girls have taken the lead in keeping our language, tradition and culture alive. Though they come from across the border, they bring us solace and hope in the knowledge that our native Runglwo culture and language will not disappear all together.”
