Tendong Lho Rum Faat 2025 celebrations commence with Tendong Knowledge Series-4

GANGTOK,  (IPR): The fourth edition of the Tendong Knowledge Series, organised by the Tendong Lho Rum Faat Celebration Committee–2025 (TLRFCC–2025), commenced Sunday at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok.

This year’s series is themed “Sikkim@50: Indigenous Wisdom and Heritage as Guides to Sustainable and Resilient Futures”, reflecting a deep exploration of traditional knowledge systems in the context of modern challenges.

The morning session formally marked the beginning of the Tendong Lho Rum Faat 2025 celebrations and brought together scholars, cultural custodians, and government representatives to deliberate on the contemporary relevance of indigenous knowledge and heritage.

The programme was graced by Roads & Bridges minister and chairman, TLRFCC–2025, NB Dahal.

The proceedings began with a ritual offering led by Bongthing Nim Tshering Lepcha, invoking the ancestral energies of the land in a traditional spiritual gesture.

A cultural performance titled ‘Minor Vyom’ (Lyang Arey Saa) by students of PNGSS followed, celebrating the oral traditions of the Lepcha community. A moving video tribute was then presented in honour of the late Padma Shri GS Lama, commemorating his lifelong contributions to Sikkimese culture.

General Secretary of RMRK, Karma Loday Lepcha delivered the welcome address, setting the tone for the day’s dialogue. This was followed by Mayalmit Lepcha, who spoke on the significance of Tendong Lho Rum Faat, highlighting its spiritual, ecological, and cultural importance. Tseten Lepcha presented a brief overview of the Tendong Knowledge Series, elaborating on its evolution as a platform to showcase the scholarly work of the Lepcha community.

In his keynote address, minister for Forest, Environment & Wildlife, and Science & Technology departments, and president TLRFCC–2025, Pintso Namgyal Lepcha, underlined the importance of such gatherings in preserving identity through intergenerational knowledge sharing. The knowledge shared today holds value not just for the present but for future generations,he said. Referring to students as flag bearers of the future, he urged them to absorb and apply the insights shared during the session and pursue deeper academic inquiry. He further assured the government’s full support for students across disciplines—traditional and modern alike.

The minister also announced that a series of events will take place as part of the celebrations, including cultural showcases, literary tributes, and interfaith prayers. He highlighted that these prayers will be offered not only for community well-being but also for global peace-echoing the inclusive and compassionate spirit of indigenous traditions. Additionally, he revealed plans to honour literary stalwarts in the upcoming programmes for their role in preserving cultural identity.

The academic session featured insightful presentations by:

 • Dr Laydong Lepcha who presented his paper on a patent-granted technology for planting Thysanolaena maxima as a method for landslide prevention.

 • Dr Mongfing Lepcha who shared a comparative study on fertility and mortality among the Lepchas of Sikkim.

 • Rimp Dorjee Lepcha, from the Culture and Heritage Affairs department, Government of Sikkim, who spoke on the tangible and intangible heritage of Sikkim.

chairman of the Primitive Tribe Welfare Board and president of Renjyong Mutanchi Rong Tarjum (RMRT), Chewang Norbu introduced the RMRT, which was established in 1982 and has completed 42 years of service for the welfare of the Lepcha people in Sikkim. He also shared insights on the Tendong Knowledge Series and encouraged students to pursue education in the interest of community upliftment.

Joint secretary of RMRT, Tomtuk Lepcha presented a report titled “Awakening Rongkup to Rong Sukdum,” detailing the achievements of the Sikkim Lepcha Association.

A major highlight of the morning session was the official launch of the Rong Learning Mobile App by the chief guest.

Developed by the Rong Ring Lepcha Culture and Welfare Society (RLCWS), Kalimpong, the app represents a significant leap in preserving the Lepcha language through digital means. Prior to the launch, Gideon T Lepcha gave a briefing on the genesis and vision of the app.

The members of RLCWS - Gideon T Namchu (Ex-IAS), STS Lepcha (Ex-IFS), Catherine Lepcha, Zerah C Zerong, and Chewang Rinchen Lepcha - were felicitated for their contributions to this cultural initiative.

Additionally, a children’s book titled “Eetdeysa Noor”, published by the Lepcha Department of Nar Bahadur Bhandari Government College, Tadong (NBBGC), was released by the chief guest. The book aims to educate and inspire children through indigenous narratives.

The event witnessed the presence of dignitaries, including minister for Forest and Science & Technology departments Pintso Namgyal Lepcha; MLA-cum-advisor, UDD and Food & Civil Supplies departments, Delay Namgyal Barfungpa; advisor to CM, Kunga Nima Lepcha; GMC councillors; Padma Shri awardee Jorden Lepcha; former legislators; members of the Institute of Transforming Sikkim; retired officials; teachers and students from various institutions; and members of the local community.