WHO ARE THE LEPCHA PEOPLE?
"THE CHILDREN OF THE SNOWY PEAKS, THE CHILDREN OF GOD”
The Lepcha tribe are an ancient indigenous people who, for centuries, have lived in the areas covering Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and parts of eastern Nepal & Western Bhutan. In Rongring, the Lepcha language, we are *“Mutanchi Rongkup, Rumkup”. In these areas, where Lepcha is spoken, it is considered to predate the arrival of other languages.
THE RONGRING LEPCHA CULTURE & WELFARE SOCIETY
The RLCWS is a non-profit body whose objective is to help preserve and propagate the ancient language, tradition and culture of the Lepcha society, as well as help with the development of its deprived sections. The RLCWS strives to achieve its objectives by adopting and promoting online learning of the Language, supporting traditional arts and crafts, and continuously conceiving activities. That can help an ancient society play a relevant role in world today.
ACTIVITIES OF RLCWS
Rongring Online Language Classroom
Started by Mayel Crafts, Kalimpong, the Rongring online language classroom was handed over to RLCWS in 2021.
The first of its kind in the history of Lepcha people. This online class has helped over 300 students to read and write in Lepcha since its inception.
Our students come from all over India, and beyond. The United States of America, Canada, The United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Italy, Japan, Switzerland, the Maldives, the Czech Republic, Nepal & Bhutan are some of the countries from where students log in every week. Thus helping keep our ancient language alive.
Making it 21st Century Proof
For the uninitiated, learning about Lepcha culture and language can be like navigating through a thick fog.
Fortunately, the RLCWS with its inventory of digital pedagogy is adequately equipped with resources that aid in the modern learning processes of ancient languages.
This book will provide students with a clear, logical and a much easier way to learn the ancient Lepcha language.
The foreword for this eagerly awaited book will be written by highly respected linguist Dr. Heleen Plaisir and the introduction will be covered by linguist Dr. Jenny Bentley.
Collaborations Across Universities
The RLCWS co-authored an ancient Lepcha folktale called “Kasaok book” in Japanese language with Tokyo university.
Have, successfully concluded a comprehensive translation project for the Tokyo University.
Following which we have been engaged to implement Rongring course in the University.
Helped Toronto University identify high-caliber Lepcha language experts.
Also, supervised recording of over 13000 letters and words for the Laozong framework to be used in their Language mobile application.
Housefull
Webinars & Sessions
In 2021, the society conducted 8 webinars on various subjects – from the significance of various Lepcha festivals to the Lepcha calendar and zodiac signs.
From making an award-winning Lepcha film on the tightest of budgets to spreading the message of preserving the bounties nature through folk music.
The idea is to curate & share content with a wider audience & put the spotlight on a relatively unknown culture and people.
These events, which are streamed for free, have been quite successful, averaging 100 attendees a show.
OUR NUMBERS THAT SPEAK
We have numbers that push us to give in our best and make sure that we break our own records. We are happy to be growing day by day.