Garjan Kumar Mallick is a teacher, social activist and writer.  He is one of the representative voices of Dhimal community. He has written a good number of books and articles to his credit. This is an online interview. It was conducted during this pandemic period. Mallick had been really cordial and cooperative during the interview. He replies all the questions with utmost care. The interviewer extends his heartfelt gratitude to him for sparing his precious time for this interview.
Shovan ঃ Who are Dhimals?
Garjan ঃ The Dhimals are one of the oldest indigenous ethnic groups of eastern Terai Nepal and the Terai region of  West Bengal, India. As we have no written history except oral tradition it is supposed that the Dhimals have been living in the Himalayan region in the north-east of the Indian sub-continent since the Aryans came into this land. We are closely associated with  the Kiranti group of the mongoloid race. Many similarities have been found among the Dhimals, Rai, Limbu, Koche, Meche, Tharu etc.
Shovan ঃ  How do the Dhimals make themselves unique through  dress?
Garjan ঃ  The Dhimals are known for their unique dress code. It is one of the markers of Dhimal identity. The males used to wear a loin cloth (Langauti), vest (Bhoto), waist coat and cap (Topi). But nowadays the Dhimal people wear pants and shirts. The Dhimal women, however, still wear ‘bona’ (a black plain cloth with red stripes on the border) - this is five to six feet in length and is hand-woven, covering the body from breast to the knees.They also use hand-made ornaments like bangles, neckless, ring etc.
Shovan ঃ  Say something about the food habits of the Dhimals.
Garjan ঃ  Food habit of Dhimal tribe is very simple. Usually we eat  Bhat(rice), Dal (pulse), and Tarkari (curry). The Dhimals still make less use of spices, oil, ghee. The non-vegetarian Dhimals preferred pork vey much. Food served on bell metal utensils along with banana leaf is a sign of aristocracy in the tribe. In every social gathering we drink home prepared liquor irrespective of sex.
Shovan ঃ What are the superstitious beliefs that the Dhimals are practicing even today?
Garjan ঃ The root of superstition is very deep and strong among the Dhimals. We are very much reluctant to go to hospitals. We believe in herbs or natural herbals.We go to Ojha for healing and curing the sick in the villages. The ojha used to do exorcism and witchery. They give talisman to tie up on wrists or necks especially for the children and women. If any person visits someone’s house frequently on Tuesday or on Saturday or on Full moon or on New moon time he/she has been scanned by the suspicious eyes of the society and often labeled as a dain who cast evil influence on the family.
Shovan ঃ What role does nature play in the life of Dhimals ?
Garjan ঃ  The Dhimals are the descendents of Nature. Though we had to survive by hunting and fishing, we never harmed the eco-system of animals, birds, forests and human beings. We do not destroy the forests and natural resources such as river, canal, animals, trees in the forests etc.We worship rivers, hills, jungles, fields, the Sun, the Moon, pond, stones, roads, new crops, etc. as deities and pray to protect us from plagues, calamities, famine, diseases and drought; keep us safe and healthy.
Shovan ঃ What are the musical instruments that you have used during singing and dancing?
Garjan ঃ  Dancing and singing are part and parcel of our culture and tradition. During festivals and ceremonies we, wearing traditional dresses, used to dance and sing with our own unique musical instruments. Dhol (drum) is the main instrument which we beat in every festival. Besides, there are Urni,Tunja,different types of Flute, Binayu etc. Almost all the instruments are made of bamboo. Dhimals create these in their own hands. We play these instruments during marriage ceremony, rice ceremony , cultivation festival of village gods etc. with utmost care and passion.
Shovan ঃ How do the Dhimals feel when others (researchers, film makers etc.) have entered into their province  and studied them?
Garjan ঃ A mixed type of feelings do the Dhimal people feel when others enquire about us. A section of people who are not educated or less educated feel that it is mere wastage of time. Sometimes they get irritated and refuse to answer the queries or narrate their story. But there are few people like us who cooperate with the interviewers as far as practicable. We know it very well that if we want to save our culture, tradition and identity from the ravages of time we need to reach to the global audience through people like you. Our heritage and problems must be addressed as well as presented properly so that we can draw the attention of academicians, researchers, social workers and the government.
Shovan ঃ How do young generations of Dhimal tribe come forward to preserve their own culture and tradition?
Garjan ঃ  Our new generations are very much indifferent in this case. There are very few who are thinking about our culture and tradition. As these young people read in the medium of other language and sometimes have to stay outside for a long time for study, they do not feel the urge from within. This is not their fault altogether. To compete with others in the age of globalization they are doing so. But, I am saying through you that nothing can be achieved in life at the cost of identity. I am pleading to the Government and other authorities to look into our matter seriously and take proper step to preserve our culture and identity.