Obituary

Dr. RB BISWAKARMA Additional Director, SYA

Late Shri Karma Pintso Bhutia

(28th February, 1954 – 7th December, 2024)

Retired Secretary, SYA

Late Shri Karma Pintso Bhutia, a dynamic sports personality, will always be remembered for his immense contributions to sports, particularly football, his exemplary service in the bureaucracy, and his deep commitment to social welfare. A man of unparalleled kindness, generosity, and gratitude, late Shri Karma Pintso Bhutia was a pillar of strength and inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

In the field of bureaucracy, Shri Bhutia was an eminent mechanical engineer and a former Secretary of the Sports and Youth Affairs Department, where his contributions to the State were invaluable. He was known for his dedication to excellence in every endeavour.

Born on 28th February 1954 in Sangmo, South Sikkim, Shri Bhutia was a distinguished graduate of Osmania University and a proud Hermonite from the batch of 1972. He began his illustrious career in 1978 as an Assistant Engineer with the Sikkim Public Works Department (SPWD). He served in SPWD and PWD for several years before moving to the Transport Department and ultimately joining the Sports Department as Secretary, from December 2010 until his retirement on 31st August 2013. His colleagues fondly referred to him as "Karma DE" due to his exceptional work ethic, politeness, and helpful nature.

As an officer, Shri Bhutia demonstrated remarkable proficiency, initiating key projects such as the procurement of state-of-the-art earth-moving machinery from Japan and implementing innovative methods to improve the durability of roads, including the use of anti-stripping compounds with bitumen. His foresight and leadership in these areas helped to elevate the infrastructure of the State.

Shri Bhutia's passion for sports, particularly football, led him to become a key figure in promoting the game in Sikkim. A founding member of Boys Club, an influential football club from the early 80s, he played an essential role in raising the club's profile at the national level. He was also a Vice President of the Sikkim Football Association for two terms, from 2014. His work in sports was widely recognized, and he was often seen at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok, in sports attire, supporting athletes and sporting events.

As Secretary of the Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Shri Bhutia made a lasting impact on Sikkim's sporting landscape. His leadership saw the initiation of stadium projects in Namchi, Geyzing, and Mangan, as well as the installation of an astro-turf at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok. He also provided employment opportunities for many talented athletes by hiring them as sports teachers in schools. Notably, he was the first Secretary of the department to initiate the Khel Samman to honour eminent sports personalities, and under his tenure, renowned athletes like International Taekwondo player Trilok Subba, Everester Phula Maya Tamang, and Arjuna Awardee in Boxing Jaslal Pradhan received the prestigious recognition.

Shri Bhutia played a pivotal role in establishing United Sikkim Football Club in 2011, alongside iconic footballer Bhaichung Bhutia, helping the club make its mark in the I-League. His influence as a mentor and guide was vital in shaping the careers of many footballers, including India’s international footballer, Bhaichung Bhutia, who fondly called him the "father of Sikkim's golden generation of footballers."

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to sports in Sikkim, Shri Bhutia was honoured with the Sikkim Sewa Samman in 2014 at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok.

On 7th December 2024, Shri Bhutia passed away in Siliguri following a successful kidney stone operation, due to a heart attack. His untimely passing leaves behind a legacy of selfless service to the people of Sikkim and a lasting impact on the sporting community. He dedicated his life to the betterment of his community, serving with compassion and unwavering commitment to justice and humanity.

Shri Bhutia is survived by his beloved wife, Ms. Tshering Choden; daughters Yangchen Dolma, Tshering Dolkar, and Rinchen Dolkar; and son, Tendrel Zangpo.

My deepest condolences to his family, relatives, and all those who were fortunate to have known him. May his soul rest in eternal peace.