Committed for welfare of all communities of Sikkim: CM

KUSH HANG LEEWANG

GYEZING,: Chief Minister P.S. Golay on Wednesday attended the State-level Sakewa festival held at Tathang village in Yuksam-Tashiding constituency this year as the chief guest. He was accompanied by his spouse Krishna Rai, Cabinet ministers, MLAs and other dignitaries.

Chief Minister Golay, in his hour-long speech, said that Sakewa, one of the most significant festivals of the Rai community, is an integral part of their age-old cultural heritage. He thanked Akhil Kirat Rai Sangh (AKRS) Sikkim for inviting him to the festival and stated that he was honoured to be part of a cultural celebration of any Sikkimese community.

Golay stated that AKRS Sikkim should not be seen as a political organization but as an entity dedicated to empowering the Rai community through various initiatives.

“Do not view AKRS through a political lens. The organization is working to empower the Rai community and create opportunities for its advancement,” said Chief Minister. He also mentioned that while Udhauli Sakewa is celebrated in Sikkim, Ubhauli Sakewa could be celebrated by the Rai community in other regions such as the Darjeeling Hills and encouraged support for the initiatives of the Rai community beyond Sikkim's borders.

The Chief Minister referred to the SKM government as the guardian of all communities in Sikkim. He stated that the State’s responsibility lies in the welfare, development and protection of the communities’ interests and aspirations.

Golay emphasized that as Chief Minister, he is committed to working with all communities in Sikkim to ensure their growth and progress. He also reaffirmed that the SKM government has diligently worked to serve the interests of all communities in the State and has made sincere efforts to fulfil their demands.

Addressing the infrastructural development demands related to the cultural and religious heritage of the Rai community, Golay assured the community that their requests would be fulfilled. He announced that as per the community’s request, a Rai Khim (community hall) would be constructed in Gyalshing district. Additionally, he pledged to address the shortage of Rai language teachers in educational institutions and confirmed that Mani Das Rai would be appointed as an OSD for the State Culture department, as requested by the community. He assured that the office order for this appointment would be issued on Thursday.

Regarding the development demands for Yuksam-Tashiding constituency, presented by Tourism minister and area MLA, the Chief Minister promised to address them for the constituency’s greater development. These included the construction of a Tara Devi statue at Chongrang, establishment of a degree college in the constituency, construction of a bridge over Kanchenjunga waterfalls, upgrading of the Yuksam police outpost to a police station and other infrastructural projects.

Golay also pledged to develop the remote village of Labdang to match the development model of Pokhara in Nepal.

On the occasion, the organising committee felicitated the Chief Minister and different individuals from the Rai community.

Earlier in the morning, the Chief Minister along with his spouse Krishna Rai visited the sacred Khecheopalri Lake and offered prayers.