Chief Minister attends State-Level Gyalpo Losar at Perbing

NAMCHI,  (IPR): The State-level Gyalpo Losar celebration organised by Denzong Sherpa Association (DSA) with the support of Sherpa Samaj of Sikkim (kiduk) was held at Perbing, Namchi today.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and his spouse Krishna Kumari Rai participated in the event as the chief guest and the special guest respectively.

Ben Tulku Dasang Rinpoche and Ben Tulku Ngawang Tenzin Chogyal Rinpoche were the religious heads for this New Year celebration of Sherpa community.

Present during the occasion were Speaker M.N. Sherpa, Deputy Speaker Raj Kumari Thapa, ministers Bhoj Raj Rai and Sonam Lama, MLAs, former MLAs, advisors, members of Gyalbu Losar Committee, DC, SDMs,HoDs, dignitaries, students and public.

Upon his arrival, the Chief Minister received a warm welcome from the members of the Denzong Sherpa committee. During his visit, he explored the traditional Sherpa stalls and food stalls that showcased the community's rich cultural heritage.

At the commencement of the event, the members of the Denzong Sherpa Committee paid a distinguished tribute to the Chief Minister. He was adorned with the traditional garments of the Sherpa community, which comprised the ‘Kho’ (dress) and ‘Shambu’ (hat), signifying profound respect and esteem.

The Chief Minister, during his address, spoke about the importance of preserving the communal identity of all communities in Sikkim. He stated that culture, tradition, customs, costumes, and languages define a community’s identity and should be prioritised.

He shared, the State government has implemented a rule through the Education department requiring individuals to wear traditional costumes at least once a week. He further announced that students will be required to pass their respective language subjects to be promoted to the next class.

The Chief Minister stated that the government is appointing language teachers to ensure language preservation among future generations. He urged everyone present to dedicate at least an hour daily to learning and practicing their respective languages.

He mentioned the construction of community bhawans for all communities in Sikkim and appealed for their proper utilisation, as many remain unused despite being in good condition.

Referring to the Sherpa community, the Chief Minister acknowledged its role in Sikkim and emphasised the importance of oral history. He emphasised the importance of recording oral history for research purposes and the development of community museums.

The Chief Minister announced a grant of Rs. 2 lakh for existing roadside vendors in Namthang-Rateypani constituency to build stalls.

Additionally, he announced infrastructure projects including, renovation of Perbing Samtelling Gumpa and support for the DSA in producing a Sherpa film and a vision document. He also announced road construction in Namcheybong and the renovation of the Sherpa Gumpa in the constituency.

Speaker M.N. Sherpa, the chief patron of the celebration, conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to the Chief Minister of Sikkim for creating a platform that supports various ethnic groups in Sikkim, including the Sherpa community, and expressed equal respect for all communities within the State.

He acknowledged the allocation of 50 special reservation seats in medical programs for students who have faced financial hardships, thanking the Chief Minister for assisting these families.

Recently, three students from the Sherpa community and one from the Chettri community received medical scholarships, he mentioned.

He also encouraged all communities, to uphold their traditions, culture, and rituals, especially their traditional attire and languages.

Additionally, he expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for the ongoing developmental initiatives benefiting the Sherpa community and urged every individual in Sikkim to adopt a positive mindset, aspire to achieve great dreams, and contribute to the vision of a prosperous Sikkim, encapsulated in the initiatives of Sunawlo Sikkim, Samridhi Sikkim, and Samarth Sikkim.

Are MLA Sanjit Kharel conveyed his sincere gratitude to the Chief Minister for his substantial support in aiding the residents of the Namthang Rateypani constituency and the Sikkimese community at large.

During the event, he presented several requests, including the maintenance of roads under adverse weather conditions and the renovation of Wangmasukhey Ground into a cricket stadium, both of which fall under the area of the Forest department.

He also approached the Chief Minister regarding a three-day Janta Bhet programme in the Namthang Rateypani constituency.

Additionally, he advocated for the establishment of a four-story plaza equipped with car parking facilities, a Haat Bazaar, a police station, water supply line from Namchi and conversion of PHC into CHC.

Furthermore, a book launching programme was also held during the event, featuring two notable publications. The first book, titled "Ethnography of Sikkimese Sherpa Tribe," is supported by the Denzong Sherpa Association, and has editorial contributions from Dr.Rinzing Ongmu Sherpa and Dr.Mingma Thundu Sherpa. This work includes contributions from several authors including Dr.Lakpa Doma Sherpa, Dr.Dawa Doma Sherpa, Dr.Sangmu Thendup Sherpa, Dr.Rinzing Ongmu Sherpa, Dawa Sherpa, Hissey Palmu Sherpa, and other research assistants, all under the auspices of the Denzong Sherpa Association.

The second book, "Food Habits of Sherpa Tribe," is funded by the Tribal Affairs Division and authored by Mingma Thundu Sherpa under the guidance of the Denzong Sherpa Association.

Cultural performances featuring traditional Sherpa songs and dances were also held. Additionally, trophies and certificates were awarded to the participants and winners of the Sherpa dance competition. Perbing Sherpa Kyidug secured first place, Kabi Lingchom Sherpa Kyidug came second, and Sherpa Luksol Chodak from Bakhim took third place.