News & Announcement
CM extends support to Rai community during Sayalung Felicitation Ceremony of Kirat Rai Legislators
Gangtok, August 11 (IPR): Chief Minister Mr. Prem Singh Tamang-Golay , accompanied by Madam Krishna Rai, attended the Sayalung Felicitation Ceremony at Manan Kendra, Gangtok today.
The event, organised by the Akhil Kirat Rai Sangh, Sikkim (AKRSS), aimed to honour the contributions of Kirat Rai legislators.
The Chief Minister in his address expressed his presence at the Sayalung program as a gesture of respect towards the members of the Kirat Rai community, whom he regards as his family. He extended his gratitude to AKRS Sikkim for the recognition he received. The Chief Minister also acknowledged the Rai Community and the people of Sikkim for their trust in the SKM party, which led to their re-election for a second term in the recent 11th Assembly and 18th Lok Sabha elections.
He commended AKRS Sikkim for honoring a Cabinet Minister, an MLA, and a former MLA from the Kirat Rai community, including himself, stating that such recognition serves as a motivation to enhance his service to the people and the State. He congratulated all those who were honored during the event.
“Throughout our first term, we dedicated ourselves to the advancement and welfare of all communities, free from discrimination and bias,” the Chief Minister remarked, reaffirming his commitment to intensify efforts to meet the hopes and aspirations of the populace during his second term.
“The success of the SKM party is attributed to the people. We prioritized the upliftment, welfare, and protection of every community during our first term, aided by the support of the public and community organizations. With the assistance of AKRSS, we successfully completed the Mangkhim project in Ranka Rai Gaon, and several other projects are underway, including the Rai Language Study Centre in Parengaon, West Sikkim, the Tarundeep Rai Archery Academy in Kamrang, and the Bijay Mani Thulung Art Academy and Gallery,” the Chief Minister shared.
In response to a request from the AKRS Sikkim Namchi District Branch, he directed the Urban Development Department and the concerned Minister, Bhoj Raj Rai, to allocate office space for the AKRS Sikkim Namchi District Branch at Kishan Bazaar, Namchi.
The Chief Minister emphasised the importance of unity within the organization to fortify the community and assured full government support for the development and protection of the Kirat Rai community.
The Chief Minister expressed his strong belief in the advancement and growth of every community, emphasising the importance of unity among the diverse groups residing in Sikkim. He noted that the SKM party, mindful of community representation, had nominated three candidates from the Rai Kirat community for the 11th Assembly elections: Mr Bhoj Raj Rai (Poklok Kamrang), Ms Kala Rai (Upper Burtuk), and Madam Krishna Kumari Rai (Namchi Singithang). Additionally, he announced that one candidate from the Rai Kirat community will be fielded in the upcoming by-elections for two assembly seats.
In a democratic society, he stated, individuals are free to support any political party. He emphasized his personal stance against harboring grudges or biasness based on caste or religion, advocating for inclusivity and equal welfare for all. "I rise above caste, religion, anger, and greed. My identity is rooted in humanity, and my faith lies in service," he remarked, highlighting his commitment to humanitarian efforts.
The Chief Minister also addressed the needs of the Mabong – Sigeng GPU, a Rai-majority area, where the government has implemented a 100% house construction initiative, secured employment for all eligible youth, and brought in a university during the previous term. He further informed that in the second term, the GPU will benefit from a comprehensive water harvesting project under the Forest Department.
Moreover, he announced plans to enhance Gelling, another underdeveloped area within Salghari – Zoom, by promoting tourism through the creation of a Peacock Park, complete with a toy train and various amenities.
In conclusion, Chief Minister Tamang urged everyone to contribute collectively towards building a ‘Sunaulo, Samridhi and Samarthya’ (prosperous, vibrant and competent) Sikkim.
During the event, the Chief Minister was felicitated for his efforts in bringing together various communities across the state and for his continued support towards the Rai community. Likewise, Madam Krishna Kumari Rai, along with Mr. Bhoj Raj Rai, Minister of Urban Development Department, and Mrs. Kala Rai, MLA cum Advisor, Rural Development Department, were also honoured for their outstanding service and achievements especially in the recent General Elections.
Addressing the gathering, Minister of Urban Development Department, Mr. Bhoj Raj Rai, highlighted the significant role of the Chief Minister in fostering unity among ethnic communities in Sikkim. He emphasised the importance of fulfilling responsibilities and safeguarding the culture, literature, and traditions of the Rai community. He also expressed the need for an AKRSS office in Jorethang to facilitate smooth functioning.
He concluded by urging everyone to aim and work individually towards making this tenure an exemplary era for future generations to witness.
MLA cum Advisor, Rural Development Department, Madam Kala Rai, expressed her pride in being honoured and shared her experiences and struggles. She stressed the importance of safeguarding the community's customs, literature, and traditions. Additionally she emphasised that any association working for the greater good is more beneficial than pursuing individual interests. She added that AKRSS should focus on the welfare of the entire community rather than on individuals.
Former MLA, Madam Krishna Kumari Rai, also addressed the gathering, expressing her gratitude to the organising committee and the AKRSS, and emphasizing the significance of acknowledging and honouring one’s community. She added that the youth’s participation in today’s program indicates that the Rai community is being safeguarded, as a community strengthens when its culture is carried forward by younger generations. She emphasised that she does not need any official position to serve society and the state.
The event also included a display of traditional Rai items for sale and concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Mr. R.K. Waling, General Secretary of AKRSS.
The programme was graced by the presence of Chief Patron Mr. Jacob Khaling, Mr. Mohan Dungmali, President of AKRS, and other distinguished guests, including Dr. S.K. Rai, Advisor AKRSS; Mr. J.P. Rai, Former Secretary General of AKRSS; Mr. R.K. Waling, President of the Organising Committee; Mrs. Bina Rai; and members of the AKRSS executive committee.
Also in attendance were Mr. Nakul Das Rai, Former MP (Lok Sabha); Mr. P.N. Chamling, Vice President, Miss Anjeeta Rajalim, Zilla Panchayat Adhyaksha, NDZP, Namchi; Mrs. Anita Rai, Zilla Panchayat Up-Adhyaksha, GDZP, Gyalshing; and Miss Kabita Khaling, General Secretary of the AKRSS Youth Wing.
Various other dignitaries, including Dr. C.B. Rai, Advisor to AKRSS; Mr. R.K. Waling, General Secretary of AKRSS; and Shri Milan Rai, Vice-President of AKRSS, along with government officials, Assistant Collector, Gangtok Mr Sandeep Jha, students, teachers, and members of the organizing committee were also present.
Furthermore, the programme featured cultural performances, including a Silli presentation by the Paruhang Sapten Mangkhim Committee, poem recitations by the winner of Poet Idol Season 2, Mr. Simeyon Sukita Rai, and winner of Bhanujyanti Poem competition 2024 Miss Babita Khaling, along with a group song by Dr. Manoj Rai, Miss Remanti Rai, Mr. Preetam Rai, and Miss Monika Rai. Additionally, the AKRSS Students’ Wing presented a Laak dance, and speeches were delivered by the felicitated Kirat Rai legislators.
The event, organised by the Akhil Kirat Rai Sangh, Sikkim (AKRSS), aimed to honour the contributions of Kirat Rai legislators.
The Chief Minister in his address expressed his presence at the Sayalung program as a gesture of respect towards the members of the Kirat Rai community, whom he regards as his family. He extended his gratitude to AKRS Sikkim for the recognition he received. The Chief Minister also acknowledged the Rai Community and the people of Sikkim for their trust in the SKM party, which led to their re-election for a second term in the recent 11th Assembly and 18th Lok Sabha elections.
He commended AKRS Sikkim for honoring a Cabinet Minister, an MLA, and a former MLA from the Kirat Rai community, including himself, stating that such recognition serves as a motivation to enhance his service to the people and the State. He congratulated all those who were honored during the event.
“Throughout our first term, we dedicated ourselves to the advancement and welfare of all communities, free from discrimination and bias,” the Chief Minister remarked, reaffirming his commitment to intensify efforts to meet the hopes and aspirations of the populace during his second term.
“The success of the SKM party is attributed to the people. We prioritized the upliftment, welfare, and protection of every community during our first term, aided by the support of the public and community organizations. With the assistance of AKRSS, we successfully completed the Mangkhim project in Ranka Rai Gaon, and several other projects are underway, including the Rai Language Study Centre in Parengaon, West Sikkim, the Tarundeep Rai Archery Academy in Kamrang, and the Bijay Mani Thulung Art Academy and Gallery,” the Chief Minister shared.
In response to a request from the AKRS Sikkim Namchi District Branch, he directed the Urban Development Department and the concerned Minister, Bhoj Raj Rai, to allocate office space for the AKRS Sikkim Namchi District Branch at Kishan Bazaar, Namchi.
The Chief Minister emphasised the importance of unity within the organization to fortify the community and assured full government support for the development and protection of the Kirat Rai community.
The Chief Minister expressed his strong belief in the advancement and growth of every community, emphasising the importance of unity among the diverse groups residing in Sikkim. He noted that the SKM party, mindful of community representation, had nominated three candidates from the Rai Kirat community for the 11th Assembly elections: Mr Bhoj Raj Rai (Poklok Kamrang), Ms Kala Rai (Upper Burtuk), and Madam Krishna Kumari Rai (Namchi Singithang). Additionally, he announced that one candidate from the Rai Kirat community will be fielded in the upcoming by-elections for two assembly seats.
In a democratic society, he stated, individuals are free to support any political party. He emphasized his personal stance against harboring grudges or biasness based on caste or religion, advocating for inclusivity and equal welfare for all. "I rise above caste, religion, anger, and greed. My identity is rooted in humanity, and my faith lies in service," he remarked, highlighting his commitment to humanitarian efforts.
The Chief Minister also addressed the needs of the Mabong – Sigeng GPU, a Rai-majority area, where the government has implemented a 100% house construction initiative, secured employment for all eligible youth, and brought in a university during the previous term. He further informed that in the second term, the GPU will benefit from a comprehensive water harvesting project under the Forest Department.
Moreover, he announced plans to enhance Gelling, another underdeveloped area within Salghari – Zoom, by promoting tourism through the creation of a Peacock Park, complete with a toy train and various amenities.
In conclusion, Chief Minister Tamang urged everyone to contribute collectively towards building a ‘Sunaulo, Samridhi and Samarthya’ (prosperous, vibrant and competent) Sikkim.
During the event, the Chief Minister was felicitated for his efforts in bringing together various communities across the state and for his continued support towards the Rai community. Likewise, Madam Krishna Kumari Rai, along with Mr. Bhoj Raj Rai, Minister of Urban Development Department, and Mrs. Kala Rai, MLA cum Advisor, Rural Development Department, were also honoured for their outstanding service and achievements especially in the recent General Elections.
Addressing the gathering, Minister of Urban Development Department, Mr. Bhoj Raj Rai, highlighted the significant role of the Chief Minister in fostering unity among ethnic communities in Sikkim. He emphasised the importance of fulfilling responsibilities and safeguarding the culture, literature, and traditions of the Rai community. He also expressed the need for an AKRSS office in Jorethang to facilitate smooth functioning.
He concluded by urging everyone to aim and work individually towards making this tenure an exemplary era for future generations to witness.
MLA cum Advisor, Rural Development Department, Madam Kala Rai, expressed her pride in being honoured and shared her experiences and struggles. She stressed the importance of safeguarding the community's customs, literature, and traditions. Additionally she emphasised that any association working for the greater good is more beneficial than pursuing individual interests. She added that AKRSS should focus on the welfare of the entire community rather than on individuals.
Former MLA, Madam Krishna Kumari Rai, also addressed the gathering, expressing her gratitude to the organising committee and the AKRSS, and emphasizing the significance of acknowledging and honouring one’s community. She added that the youth’s participation in today’s program indicates that the Rai community is being safeguarded, as a community strengthens when its culture is carried forward by younger generations. She emphasised that she does not need any official position to serve society and the state.
The event also included a display of traditional Rai items for sale and concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Mr. R.K. Waling, General Secretary of AKRSS.
The programme was graced by the presence of Chief Patron Mr. Jacob Khaling, Mr. Mohan Dungmali, President of AKRS, and other distinguished guests, including Dr. S.K. Rai, Advisor AKRSS; Mr. J.P. Rai, Former Secretary General of AKRSS; Mr. R.K. Waling, President of the Organising Committee; Mrs. Bina Rai; and members of the AKRSS executive committee.
Also in attendance were Mr. Nakul Das Rai, Former MP (Lok Sabha); Mr. P.N. Chamling, Vice President, Miss Anjeeta Rajalim, Zilla Panchayat Adhyaksha, NDZP, Namchi; Mrs. Anita Rai, Zilla Panchayat Up-Adhyaksha, GDZP, Gyalshing; and Miss Kabita Khaling, General Secretary of the AKRSS Youth Wing.
Various other dignitaries, including Dr. C.B. Rai, Advisor to AKRSS; Mr. R.K. Waling, General Secretary of AKRSS; and Shri Milan Rai, Vice-President of AKRSS, along with government officials, Assistant Collector, Gangtok Mr Sandeep Jha, students, teachers, and members of the organizing committee were also present.
Furthermore, the programme featured cultural performances, including a Silli presentation by the Paruhang Sapten Mangkhim Committee, poem recitations by the winner of Poet Idol Season 2, Mr. Simeyon Sukita Rai, and winner of Bhanujyanti Poem competition 2024 Miss Babita Khaling, along with a group song by Dr. Manoj Rai, Miss Remanti Rai, Mr. Preetam Rai, and Miss Monika Rai. Additionally, the AKRSS Students’ Wing presented a Laak dance, and speeches were delivered by the felicitated Kirat Rai legislators.