Bhandari Jayanti concludes at Soreng

DICHEN ONGMU

CM declares Bhasa Manyata Diwas as Govt Holiday
SORENG,: Governor Ganga Prasad and Chief Minister P.S. Golay attended the 81st birth anniversary of former Chief Minister Late Nar Bahadur Bhandari here at Soreng playground on Tuesday.
In his address, the Governor expressed his honour to be a part of this auspicious day. He highlighted the immense contributions made by Late Bhandari and spoke on how the former Chief Minister spent his life in service of Sikkim and its people.
“It is indeed a moment of pride to witness love and respect from the people of Sikkim for their leader even after his demise. This shows that Late Bhandari and his noble works are still alive in people’s hearts,” said Prasad.
The Governor mentioned the upcoming Centre of Excellence and upgrading Soreng into a district will greatly serve the local people besides boosting the local economy. He urged the people of Sikkim to strive more in the field of agriculture, health and education.
In his address, the Chief Minister expressed his sadness on being unable to attend the last rites of Late Bhandari when the former Chief Minister had passed away. He recalled how the entire Sikkim had wept on his demise.
Golay spoke on the immense contributions made by late Bhandari for the inclusion of Nepali language in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution leading to celebration of Bhasa Manyata Diwas by the Indian Nepali community every August 20.
The Chief Minister announced that August 20, which is celebrated as Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas, to be a State holiday from 2022 as the day holds great importance to Nepali community. He urged people to conduct activities promoting Nepali language and culture on Bhasa Manyata Diwas.
Golay said the State government is starting N.B. Bhandari fellowship programme for PhD course. He announced a book titled ‘Atal Bhandari’ to be kept in schools and universities. The literary works of Bhandari would be compiled into a book form so that the coming generation can know about him and his work, he said.
The Chief Minister further announced that each year any student who secures admission for Ph.D. or Doctorate in one of the top 20 universities anywhere around the world, the government will be providing them financial aid up to Rs. 50 lakh under the Nar Bahadur Bhandari Fellowship Program. After the successful completion of their studies, the student will be given an opportunity of three years of voluntary service under the Government of Sikkim, he said.
“Bhandari lived for Sikkim and its people. He did not believe in favouritism not even towards his family which proves he was pro-people leader”, added Golay.
Golay added that the former Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and his government never valued Bhandari’s work and contributions.
“Chamling never gave importance to Bhandari’s contributions; rather he always chose to maintain enmity with him. However, SKM government doesn’t believe in disrespecting the leaders/individuals due to the political differences. We believe in giving respect to them and appreciate their achievements”, said Golay.
Area MLA Aditya Golay expressed his gratitude to the Governor and the Chief Minister for gracing the Bhandari Jayanti programme at Soreng. He also thanked the public of Soreng for their co-operation and support for the success of Bhandari Jayanti programme which started on October 1.