In a remarkable story of determination and innovation, Arun Kumar Raut, an 18-year-old from a remote village in Sikkim, is transforming the preservation of indigenous languages through technology. As a proud member of the Sherpa tribal community, Arun's journey from a small village to creating a groundbreaking app to save his heritage has captured national attention and admiration.
Arun grew up hearing stories in the Sherpa language, a Tibetan dialect rich in history and culture. Over the years, he noticed a worrying trend: the younger generation was increasingly shifting to dominant languages like Hindi and English, leaving Sherpa on the verge of extinction. Determined to make a change, Arun decided to take matters into his own hands.
“I realized that our language was disappearing. I wanted to ensure that my generation and the ones to come would still have a connection to their roots,” says Arun.
With no formal training in software development and limited resources, Arun relied on free online courses and YouTube tutorials to learn coding. Driven by a clear vision to create a tool that would make learning the Sherpa language easy and accessible, he spent months understanding programming languages and app design while balancing his studies and household responsibilities.
Arun launched the "Sherpa Language App" in early 2024, an interactive mobile application that teaches the Sherpa language to both children and adults. The app includes key features like:
The Vocabulary Builder features over 1,000 commonly used Sherpa words.
Pronunciation Guides: Audio clips by native speakers to ensure accurate learning.
Cultural Stories: Folktales and traditional Sherpa songs connect users with the community's heritage.
Games and Quizzes: Interactive tools to make learning fun and engaging.
The app’s user-friendly design and multilingual interface make it appealing not only to Sherpas but also to linguists and cultural enthusiasts worldwide.
Cultural organisations and the government have praised the app and downloaded it over 10,000 times since its launch. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has recognised Arun's innovation with multiple awards, including the Young Innovator Award 2024.
“The Sherpa Language App is a milestone in using technology for cultural preservation,” says cultural expert Dr. Meera Banerjee. “It shows how the younger generation can take ownership of their heritage and adapt it for modern times.”
Arun is now working on expanding the app to include other endangered tribal languages from Sikkim and across India. He has also begun collaborating with NGOs and linguistic organizations to ensure the app reaches remote communities that need it the most.
“My dream is to see every child in my community proudly speaking Sherpa, no matter where they are,” says Arun.
Arun’s story is a shining example of how youth can use technology to solve pressing cultural and social challenges. His journey—from a small village in Sikkim to becoming a national inspiration—proves that determination and creativity can lead to extraordinary achievements, even in the face of limited resources.
As India celebrates its diverse cultural heritage, Arun’s Sherpa Language App is a beacon of hope for other communities striving to preserve their identity in an increasingly globalized world. His work is not just about saving a language; it’s about safeguarding a way of life.
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