Basantapur: National Assembly (NA) Chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal has shared that inclusive, equitable and creative use of technology was indispensable for the preservation of identity, language and culture of the indigenous nationalities. Addressing a programme organised at Basantapur Dabali on the occasion of the 31st International Day of the World Indigenous People, Chairman Dahal opined that indigenous knowledge, tradition, language, music, script, art and cultural heritages of the indigenous nationalities could be documented, preserved and promoted through artificial intelligence (AI).
According to National News Agency Nepal, Dahal emphasized that the indigenous communities’ languages, stories, and perspectives are not represented in AI databases, highlighting the need to utilize technology to prevent further exclusion and discrimination. He advocated for active participation of indigenous nationalities in technology to prevent potential challenges that could arise without their involvement.
Dahal presented the inclusion of Nepal Bhasa, a language of the Newar Community, in Google Translate as a positive example of using technology to expand linguistic identity internationally. This effort demonstrates a successful case of technology aiding cultural preservation.
The event also featured special presentations of the Newari language and food items of the Tharu Community, underscoring the rich cultural diversity of Nepal.
Dahal concluded by suggesting the implementation of inclusion, federalism, republic, and secularism for the welfare of indigenous nationalities. He stressed the importance of guaranteeing cultural rights to transform diversity into unity.