CM Golay reaffirms commitment to communal harmony and cultural preservation

KUSH HANG LEEWANG

GEYZING,: Chief Minister P.S. Golay participated in Lepcha festival Nam-Aal-Namsoong at Gangyap under Yuksam-Tashiding constituency on Saturday.

In his address, the Chief Minister extended his greetings to the Lepcha community and emphasized the importance of festivals in promoting and preserving cultural heritage. He highlighted that community celebrations like Nam-Aal-Namsoong serve as a platform for educating the younger generation about customs, culture and traditions, fostering unity and coordination within the community.

Golay stressed the critical role parents play in imparting knowledge about culture, language and literature to their children. “We need to make new generation aware about language, culture and traditions, because extinction of our heritage would ultimately lead to eradication of our very identity.”

Golay maintained that in order to promote and preserve Sikkim’s distinct cultural heritage and to ensure educational facilities to children on their language, literature and cultural heritage, the State government has appointed representatives from various communities in the Culture department and ensured the placement of language teachers in educational institutions.

Golay reiterated the SKM government’s commitment to maintaining communal harmony without political interference. “Under SKM government, no community has to worry about political interference regarding the organizational affairs and community based initiatives,” chief minister said.

He also assured the Lepcha community of continued government support for their cultural and developmental needs.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister shared that a Lepcha Bhawan would be established soon in Gangtok and promised annual grants for Lepcha associations. Responding to developmental demands placed by Tourism minister and area MLA Tshering T. Bhutia such as road upgrade, a multipurpose community hall, a public ground at Gangyap, upgradation of Tashiding primary health centre to a community health centre and a Tara Devi statue at Chongrang, the Chief Minister assured the allocation of required funds for the projects.

Golay expressed that Yuksam-Tashiding constituency, considered as one of the most backward regions in the State, has been growing off late in terms of development as, he said, the State government has worked committedly, prioritizing the development of rural region such as Yuksam-Tashiding.

The Nam-Aal-Namsoong festival featured traditional Lepcha food stalls, cultural performances and other activities. The organizing committee felicitated the Chief Minister and other prominent Lepcha personalities for their contributions to the community's upliftment.