YSSCS celebrates 121st Chemjong Jayanti; Yehang Laoti conferred ‘Iman Singh Chemjong Literary Award’

GEYZING,: Yehang Laoti, a renowned Limboo writer, was conferred this year’s ‘Iman Singh Chemjong Literary Award’ during the 121st birth anniversary celebration of Limboo scholar Iman Singh Chemjong organized by Yakthung Sapsok Saplon Chumbho Sukhim (YSSCS) at Geyzing on Wednesday.

Yehang Laoti, who has significantly contributed to the Limboo literary sphere. The Kathmandu resident has also collaborated with Sikkim’s Education department to prepare Limboo textbooks.

In addition, the ‘Special Chemjong Award (Posthumous)’ was conferred upon former parliamentarian and politician Late Pahalman Subba in recognition of his significant contributions to uplifting the Limboo community.

Late Pahalman Subba was instrumental in addressing various issues concerning the Limboo community and played a pivotal role in the inclusion of Limboo language in the CBSE curriculum.

In his acceptance speech, Yehang Laoti expressed gratitude to YSSCS for the recognition, describing the award as an encouragement to continue his literary journey. “The Iman Singh Chemjong Literary Award has energized me to contribute further to Limboo literature. I am deeply thankful to YSSCS for this honour,” he said.

The function also had various literary activities and cultural programmes including inter-school and open poetry, story and essay writing competitions. Winners of the competitions received cash prizes and certificates.

Building and Housing minister Bhim Hang Limboo, the chief guest at the event, highlighted the far-reaching contributions of Late Iman Singh Chemjong in promoting Limboo literature. He credited Chemjong’s efforts for the development and upliftment of the Limboo literary tradition. The minister also shared updates on developmental projects initiated by the State government to meet the aspirations and demands of the Limboo community.

Regarding the Limboo-Tamang seat reservation issue, Bhim Hang Limboo reaffirmed the State government’s commitment under the leadership of Chief Minister P.S. Golay. He assured attendees that efforts are being made to resolve the matter promptly, ensuring justice for the Limboo-Tamang community.

The minister also voiced concern over the low participation of Limboos in the recent State-level Chasok Tongnam celerbation at Saramsa, warning that such trends could endanger traditional festivals and their significance.

Congratulating Yehang Laoti on receiving the Iman Singh Chemjong Literary Award, Bhim Hang Limboo commended his enduring contributions to Limboo literature.

YSSCS president Raju Limboo explained that the celebration of Iman Singh Chemjong’s birth anniversary aimed to honour his selfless contributions to Limboo literature and his efforts to uplift the community. 

Maneybung-Dentam MLA Sudesh Limboo was also present at the function which also included the release of new literary works by Limboo authors. t.