CM releases research book on various communities & culture

KUNAL RAI

GANGTOK,: Chief Minister PS Golay on Sunday released a voluminous research book authored by prominent writer TB Chandra Subba during an event held at Manan Kendra here.

The book ‘Biswama Manav Sabhayata: Jatiya Brihat Etihas, Sanskriti Ra Parampa’ spans around 2,300 pages and took 19 years to be completed.

In his address, the Chief Minister congratulated author TB Chandra Subba and hailed his 19 years of hard work to research and write the book that would be a rich resource for understanding one’s cultural legacy and history.

“The book, based on extensive research, contains knowledge and information of the rich tradition, cultural practices and heritage of various communities. It will greatly assist us whenever there is a situation questioning our existence,” said Golay.

Golay added that the book is a rich contribution to society and appealed to the people to buy it. He announced that the government will buy 3,000 copies of the book and place these books in libraries across the State, besides extending financial support under Chief Minister’s Discretionary Grant.

The Chief Minister expressed his happiness on the publication of books showing continuation despite the proliferation of digital medium. He stressed that writers need to continue writing books and assured all help from the State government for publication of their creations. Our government is there to encourage literature and art in Sikkim…we aim to set up an Art & Culture Board through which more support can be extended, he said.

Addressing the gathering, author TB Chandra Subba informed that he started his research for the book in 2005 and also took suggestions from learned elders and guides of some universities. It took me 19 years to complete the book and when it came to printing, I faced challenges but support was extended by the Chief Minister to realize my dream, he said.

Subba informed that the book has two parts – the first part taking the readers through human evolution, emergence of different communities and their history. The second part covers about 164 communities of the great nation with special focus on Nepalis or Gorkhas of Indian origin, communities, history, tradition, culture, deities, forms of worship and others respectively.

He added that the book covers about 60- 80% of the information on all the communities mentioned in the book. The book will definitely help our youngsters, youths to know about our rich tradition, practices, beliefs, rituals, culture and many more, he said.

Further this book will also provide an insight on the identification of Nepalis or Gorkhas of Indian origin which I feel will help us in eradicating the negative tag that we carry since long, said the author.

The book, consisting both of written materials and photos, is priced at Rs. 17,000.

At the event, Prof. Krishnaraj Ghatani gave a brief analysis of the book.

Book release organising committee president CP Bhattarai said the Chief Minister’s presence at the event shows his love and respect towards literature and litterateurs. He welcomed the distinguished literary figures and guests attending the event.

The program had the presence of literary figures from various States and neighbouring country Nepal, and representatives of various organisations of Sikkim.