Gyalshing, January 4 (IPR):
Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang attended the ongoing Nam-Aal-Namsoong festival celebration at Gangyap, Yuksam-Tashiding in Gyalshing district today as the Chief guest.
Also present were Mr Tshering T Bhutia Minister of Tourism & Civil aviation and Commerce & Industries Department-cum-Area MLA, Mr Samdup Lepcha Minister of Social Welfare,Women and Child Development and Printing and Stationery Departments, Mr Bhim Hang Limboo Minister of Buildings and Housing,Labour Departments, MLAs, Zilla Adakshya and Up-Adakshya of Gyalshing, Mr Tenzing D Denzongpa DC Gyalshing, Mr Hari Chettri Special DGP,ASP Gyalshing, SDMs,BDOs,district administration officials, Zilla and Gram Panchayats,Namsoong celebration committee and local gentry.
Nam-Aal-Namsoong festival, one of Sikkim's major traditional festivals, is celebrated by the indigenous Lepcha tribe during the harvest season, when farmers rejoice and celebrate their successful harvest.
The organizing committee felicitated various individuals from the community who have contributed in different fields.
In his address, the Chief Minister extended warm greetings for the Nam-Aal-Namsoong festival, especially to the Lepcha community. He expressed his happiness and thanked the people of Yuksam-Tashiding and the celebration committee for their warm welcome during his arrival.
He mentioned that the once remote Yuksam-Tashiding is now making significant strides in terms of development. He emphasized the communal harmony that has been witnessed in the past five years under the current government and stressed the need to continue fostering unity.
The Chief Minister assured that the government has given equal opportunities and priority to all communities for their development and upliftment. He also highlighted that every community is supported in celebrating their cultural programmes and festivals without any disturbances.
The Chief Minister also announced the construction of the Lepcha Bhawan in the state capital, with the budget for this project to be placed in the upcoming budget session, specifically for the welfare of the Lepcha community.
He highlighted the state government's efforts in various sectors such as education, healthcare, entrepreneurship for educated youth, and employment. He noted how students are benefiting from education support, medical aid is available for patients, and the Sisu Samriddhi Yojna provides financial assistance to newborns through a one-time fixed deposit. Additionally, the Aama Yojana provides support to housewives.
In response to area MLA's requests, the Chief Minister assured that various demands would be fulfilled, including the construction of a multicultural hall at Gangyap, upgrading Tashiding PHC to a Community Health Centre (CHC), and the installation of a Tara Devi statue at Silnon Monastery along with a cultural park.
The Chief Minister also spoke about the government's efforts to make Sikkim a tribal state by granting tribal status to 12 previously excluded communities.
Earlier, Mr Tshering T Bhutia expressed his immense gratitude to the CM for attending the festival in Gangyap, Yuksam-Tashiding. He thanked the Chief Minister on behalf of the people of Yuksam-Tashiding and expressed hope for further development in the constituency.
Sikkim is one of the best-performing states under the visionary Chief minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang led state government in terms of development and nation-building, he noted. The MLA encouraged every community in the state to propagate and promote their culture, tradition, and language, ensuring that the cultural uniqueness of the state is preserved and promoted.
In his brief address, Mr Tshering T Bhutia Minister-cum-Area MLA outlined various developmental initiatives in Yuksam-Tashiding constituency under the state government.
The day long event also witnessed ethnic cultural dance performances from different communities.
The day-long celebration concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Mr Birendra Gurung, Zilla Panchayat member.