Celebration of the Launch of Nepalbhasa in Google Translate 

On 27th July 2024, World Newah Organization (WNO) celebrated the launch of Nepalbhasa in Google Translate which happened on 26th July 2024. Deputy Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Ms Sunita Dangol was the Chief Guest of the online event, who emphasized the effectiveness of digital tools and intelligent methods to preserve Nepalbhasa besides the importance of preserving traditional values. Chair of the meeting WNO President Mr Sanyukta Shrestha welcomed all guests and valued contributors of Google Translate and promised to initiate the processes required to rename the language in Google Translate from Nepalbhasa (Newari) to simply “Newari”.

Special Guest of the event veteran Newah Leader Mr Malla K Sundar expressed that he now sees a bright future for Nepalbhasa since the younger generation is dedicated to its preservation using digital tools and the latest AI technologies. Another Special Guest of the event Mr Pavitra Bajracharya, President of Neewah Dey Daboo, highlighted that this is an important achievement for Nepalbhasa which cannot be undermined by minor issues raised about its naming which can be rectified in due time.

Founder of Microsoft Nepal, Mr Allen Bailochan Tuladhar explained the processes that are required to improve the linguistic capabilities of the automated system and offered his assistance to make the required improvements in the future. Former Google Engineer Mr Ujjwal Rajbhandari expressed his happiness in being able to contribute to building a system that will preserve Nepalbhsa despite his inability to use the language.

The event conducted by WNO Youth Ambassador Ms Neetu Dangol was attended by Former WNO Presidents Dr Bal Gopal Shrestha and Mr Season Shrestha, Google Translate Project Lead Mr Deepesh Shakya, WNO executives and regular worldwide contributors of the project for the last three and a half year, – including Mr Paubha Sayami, Dr Lochan Manandhar, Mr Dwarika Rajbhandari, Dr Sushil Tamrakar, Ms Bidya Dali, Ms Krita Bajracharya, Mr Binay Rajopadhaya, Dr Naresh Shakya, and Mr Manohar Shrestha, among others. WNO Secretary Dr Shobhit Shakya delivered a vote of thanks to everyone attending the event.