Munish Sood
Mandi
A significant cultural initiative aimed at preserving the Mandiyali dialect was launched today with a formal book presentation ceremony held at the office of the Mayor of Mandi Municipal Corporation. The event, attended by several prominent citizens and dignitaries, marked a renewed push to promote the region’s linguistic heritage as part of the ongoing 500-year celebrations of Mandi town.
Mayor Virender Bhatt, who presided as the chief guest, emphasized the importance of safeguarding local language and culture. Addressing the gathering in Mandiyali, he said that efforts by individuals like Dr. Chandramukhi Kapoor Kapasi and writer Vinod Behl are vital in ensuring that younger generations stay connected with their roots. He urged people to take pride in speaking Mandiyali and called for more such initiatives to strengthen cultural identity.
The highlight of the event was the distribution of the Mandiyali humour poetry collection “Laadi Ri Jhanaang (Wife’s Scolding)” authored by Vinod Behl. On this occasion, Dr. Chandramukhi Kapoor Kapasi, an internationally renowned doctor and social worker originally from Mandi and currently based in Boston, announced the sponsorship of 100 copies of the book. These copies will be placed in government and private school libraries within the Municipal Corporation area and distributed among institutions and intellectuals to encourage wider engagement with the language.
Dr. Kapasi underlined the growing concern over the declining use of Mandiyali, particularly among the youth. She noted that the dialect has been categorized as endangered, stressing that if younger generations stop speaking it, the language risks fading away. Her initiative aims to spark curiosity among students and motivate them to read and understand Mandiyali through literature.
The book itself has gained remarkable popularity within a month of its release. It was formally launched on February 28 at Sardar Patel University auditorium by the Vice-Chancellor and has since generated widespread discussion, even reaching audiences abroad. The collection features 55 humorous poems capturing various aspects of life in Mandi, including traditions, cuisine, festivals, and modern-day themes such as social media. Each poem is accompanied by a Hindi translation, making it accessible to a wider readership.
The ceremony was attended by several notable personalities, including former Sessions Judge Tejinder Vaidya, INTACH Mandi Chapter Convener Naresh Malhotra, Khatri Sabha President Dr. Naresh Vaidya, Urban Bank Chairman Ravi Vaidya, Citizens Council head Harish Vaidya, former State Women Commission Chairperson Krishna Tandon, and others. Corporators Alaknanda Handa and Rajendra Mohan were also present.
The programme began with a traditional felicitation ceremony, where dignitaries were honoured with Himachali caps and shawls. Author Vinod Behl was also felicitated for his contribution to promoting regional literature.
Members of the media and attendees were presented with copies of the book, and the initiative received widespread appreciation for its positive message. Many speakers lauded the collaborative effort, calling it a meaningful step toward preserving the cultural and linguistic heritage of Mandi.
Dr. Kapasi’s contribution goes beyond this initiative. With an illustrious career spanning India, Kenya, and the United States, and academic credentials from Lady Hardinge Medical College, Delhi, and Harvard School of Public Health, she continues to actively contribute to society while remaining deeply connected to her roots.
The campaign is expected to expand further, with plans to gradually place the book in school libraries across the district, ensuring sustained efforts toward the preservation and promotion of the Mandiyali dialect.
The event concluded with a strong message of cultural pride and collective responsibility, resonating with the spirit of Mandi’s 500-year legacy.
