Mithila Cultural Society Australia

Appan Bhasha Appan Sanskriti Appan Awaaz Mithila Gunj is a weekly Maithili radio program broadcasting from Sydney on 2TripleO 98.5 FM every Sunday from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM. Created to preserve, celebrate and promote the language and cultural heritage of Mithila, the program connects Maithils living in India, Nepal, Australia, the United States and across the world. Mithila Gunj was founded on a simple belief: wherever we may live, our mother language, shared memories and cultural traditions can keep us connected to our roots. A Voice for the Global Maithil Community Mithila is one of South Asia’s oldest cultural regions and the sacred land of Maa Janaki. Its history is enriched by philosophers, poets and scholars such as King Janaka, Yajnavalkya, Gargi, Maitreyi and Mahakavi Vidyapati. For families living away from their ancestral homeland, opportunities to hear Maithili and learn about this rich heritage can be limited. Mithila Gunj helps bridge this distance by bringing Mithila’s language, stories and traditions into people’s homes every week. Presented by Shishirendu Jha, the program primarily uses Maithili, complemented by Hindi and English so that listeners of different generations can participate and feel included. What You Will Hear Each episode explores an aspect of Mithila’s living cultural heritage, including: The history and intellectual traditions of Mithila Maithili language, poetry and literature The timeless works of Mahakavi Vidyapati Folk songs, devotional music and contemporary Maithili music Festivals, customs and family traditions Madhubani painting and other forms of Mithila art Historic, spiritual and cultural places across Mithila Conversations with artists, scholars, community leaders and young people Stories and achievements of the global Maithil diaspora The program also connects Sydney with places such as Darbhanga, Madhubani and Janakpur, reminding listeners that geographical distance does not have to weaken cultural belonging. Preserving Heritage for Future Generations Mithila Gunj is not simply a program about the past. It is a platform for carrying timeless traditions into the future. Our children may grow up thousands of kilometres from Mithila, but they should still have the opportunity to hear its language, understand its stories and take pride in their cultural identity. Preserving a language requires more than recognising its importance. We must speak it, sing its songs, share its literature and pass its stories from one generation to the next. Through radio, music and meaningful conversations, Mithila Gunj is helping turn cultural remembrance into cultural continuity. A Community Platform Mithila Gunj belongs to the community. Writers, musicians, artists, scholars, professionals, community organisers, families and young people are invited to share their knowledge, experiences and creative work through the program. Whether you live in Mithila, Sydney, New York, London, Toronto, Kathmandu or anywhere else, this is a platform where your voice and your connection to Mithila can be celebrated. International Recognition Mithila Gunj’s journey from Sydney to the wider world has received international recognition. The program was featured by the US-based diaspora publication New India Abroad in an article titled “Mithila Gunj: Uniting the Global Maithil Diaspora.” The article recognises the program’s mission to ensure that Maithili voices continue to be heard, particularly among families living far from their ancestral homeland. Read the New India Abroad feature Listen to Mithila Gunj Every Sunday 8:00 AM–9:00 AM Sydney time 2TripleO 98.5 FM Presented by Shishirendu Jha Join us each week as we celebrate the language, literature, music, people and living heritage of Mithila. Appan Bhasha. Appan Sanskriti. Appan Awaaz. जय मिथिला! जय जानकी!