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FIWNA Successfully Conducts Its 7th Virtual Interaction Series on the Influence of Hindu Philosophy on Yakthung (Limbu) Socio-Cultural Life
The Federation of Indigenous Women of Nepal in America (FIWNA) fruitfully hosted its 7th Virtual Interaction Series on the compelling topic: “The Influence of Hindu Philosophy and Practices on Yakthung (Limbu) Customary Socio-Cultural Life.” The session featured a powerful presentation by Dr. Chhitij Subba, a respected socio-cultural researcher, writer, and advocate, whose in-depth research and insights shed light on the deep-rooted shifts in Yankthung Limbu traditions under external religious and political pressures.
FIWNA has been organizing these biweekly virtual sessions to
raise awareness on Indigenous peoples’ history, customary laws, rights, and the
multifaceted challenges they continue to face due to modernization and
globalization. The 7th session brought together participants from various
organizations, scholars, students, and Indigenous rights advocates, fostering
an inclusive and engaging platform for meaningful dialogue.
During his presentation, Dr. Subba delved into the rich and
autonomous socio-political and cultural systems once practiced by the Yakthung
(Limbu) people prior to the unification of Nepal under the Shah regime in 1831.
He illustrated how the community originally functioned under its own political
leadership, guided by democratic institutions such as the Aapunggi Hang
and Tummihang judicial systems, and how social and economic life was
governed by Mundhum, a unique Yakthung ( Limbu) philosophy rooted in
nature, spirituality, and shared values.
Dr. Subba highlighted how, following the unification, the
imposition of Hindu religious ideology gradually eroded these systems. The
state-enforced adoption of Hindu philosophical structures—including caste
hierarchy, patriarchal family norms, and state-sponsored religious
practices—undermined Yakthung autonomy, altered rituals related to birth and
marriage, and disrupted their traditional way of life. Even traditional dress,
festivals, and agricultural practices were impacted by this cultural
assimilation.
Participants actively engaged in the session, raising
insightful questions and sharing their perspectives. Dr. Subba addressed each
inquiry with clarity and passion, emphasizing the importance of preserving and
reviving Indigenous knowledge systems.
Prominent Indigenous scholar and FIWNA mentor Professor
Dr. Krishna Bhattachan also delivered thoughtful closing remarks. He
underscored the significance of understanding one’s own history and cultural
identity and encouraged Indigenous peoples worldwide to practice and preserve
their customary systems, regardless of where they live.
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The event was moderated by FIWNA President Ms. Indira
Chongbang, who expressed her deep appreciation to Dr. Subba for his
enriching presentation and to all participants for their engagement and
support. She reiterated FIWNA’s continuous commitment to amplify Indigenous
voices and knowledge, and encouraged everyone to participate in future sessions
to keep the dialogue alive and strong.
This impactful session reaffirmed the importance of
collective learning, cultural resilience, and intergenerational
knowledge-sharing in the journey toward Indigenous empowerment.
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