HCM attends Tendong Lho Rum Faat festival in Gyalshing

Tendong Lho Rum Faat, a popular festival of the Lepcha tribe, was celebrated with much enthusiasm and fervour at Gyalshing in West Sikkim today.

Hon’ble Chief Minister Mr. Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) graced the occasion as chief guest along with Speaker, Sikkim legislative Assembly, Mr. L.B. Das, Deputy Speaker, Mr. Sangay lepcha, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs and other officials and the public at large.

The HCM, while congratulating the people of the State, extended his best regards to the Lepcha community. He emphasized that the festival/occasion is not only for one specific community to celebrate but is meant for all the people in the State regardless of their cultural and religion.

With regard to the recent Jammu and Kashmir issue and the decision made by the Union Government of India on Article 370, he congratulated the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, and extended support of the State government and the people of Sikkim.

Furthermore, he welcomed the statement made by the Union Home Minister, Mr. Amit Shah, in which it was stated to give a full protection to Article 371F. The HCM also mentioned that he had put up a request to the political leaders at the Union level to protect article 371F in his recent visit to New Delhi.

In addition, he emphasized on the pending government related developmental works such as the “Stairway to Heaven” and assured full completion to the project.

Highlighting on how we have different community based festivals in Sikkim, he urged the public to accept and celebrate all different festivities as one unit which would lead in strengthening our State. He informed that the State government has successfully allocated budget release of arrear and pension for all employees at one single installment and also underlined the efforts made by the state government to provide salaries for the ones appointed under the One Family One Job scheme.

Drawing the attention of the public towards the impediments and constraints faced by the current government due to the fabricated reports submitted by the previous government, he announced to allocate five seats for the Dzongu Constituency out of 50 seats under the Chief Minister’s Meritorious Scholarship Scheme and highlighted developmental works to be carried out without any disturbances in the constituency of Dzongu. He affirmed that the State government will always work towards the protection of Dzongu and the rest of the State.

Furthermore, Mr. Golay announced to visit all constituencies along with the entire government machinery in the near future.

Minister of Food Security, Agriculture, Horticulture & Cash crops, Animal Husbandary, Livestock Fisheries and Veterinary Services, Information & Public Relations and Printing Departments, Mr. L.N. Sharma, who was the chief patron of the organizing committee, delivered his address in Lepcha language and expressed gratitude to the government for selecting Gyalshing to host the celebration of Tendong lho Rum Faat 2019.

He stated that West district witnessed a beginning of a delightful State level function and wished for more development to all four districts in the future. He explained that the State of Sikkim has diverse culture and traditions and further urged for unity amongst all communities in the State for the betterment.

The HCM was felicitated and honoured for redefining the development and progress within the State along with his resounding victory in the recent general elections. He was presented with a citation along with Pugo reep, Sumok Thyaktuk and the traditional weapon Banphok by the Lepcha Committee.

Likewise, the Pano Mun Solong Award in the field of Art and Culture was awarded to Mr. Dawa Lepcha. Thikung General GB Mainwarning was awarded to Mr. N.T. Lepcha while the Lhatshering Kunchudyangmu Memorial Literary Award was conferred to Mrs. Puspa Choden.

District Collector, West, Mr. Karma R. Bonpo, Mr. Tshering Wangchuk, Mr. Sherap Lepcha, Mr. Azing Lepcha, Mr. Passang Lepcha, Mrs. Tshering Ongmu Lepcha and Mr. Passang Tshering Lepcha were also felicitated in various fields by the Organizing Committee on the occasion.

The event was also addressed by Deputy Speaker, Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Mr. Sangay Lepcha, Minister for HRDD, Mr. Kunga Nima Lepcha, Minister for RM&DD, Mr. Sonam Lama, and President of Sikkim Lepcha Association, Mr. Tseten Lepcha.

Later, the HCM also attented the on-going Independence Day Football Tournament at Kyongsa playground.

Earlier, Mr. Golay also made a brief visit to Pemayangtse Monastery in Pelling and offered prayers.