Gyalshing, March 11 (IPR): The Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang, laid the foundation stone of the revered Ugen Wodsel Pema Choeling Monastery at Upper Martam, Gyalshing District, today.
Upon arrival, under the spiritual guidance of His Eminence Kyabje Dungzin Garab Rinpoche, the Chief Minister unveiled the commemorative plaque and laid the foundation stone of the monastery. The ceremony was held in the gracious presence of the Area MLA-cum-Advisor for the PHE and Water Resources Departments, Mr Lok Nath Sharma, alongside revered monks and local dignitaries.
The solemn ceremony was attended by the Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly Mr MN Sherpa,Minister for Buildings & Housing,Labour Departments Mr Bhim Hang Limboo,MLA for Maneybung Dentam-Cum-Advisor Mr Sudesh Kumar Subba, as well as Chairmen,Advisors,OSDs, Secretaries, District Collector (Gyalshing), Superintendent of Police (Gyalshing), SDM (Dentam), BDOs,Heads of Offices(Gyalshing District),esteemed guests and local public.
In his address, the Chief Minister extended a warm welcome to His Eminence Kyabje Dungzin Garab Rinpoche of Bhutan, expressing deep gratitude for his presence at this significant occasion for the Sherpa community.
Speaking on public-centric initiatives such as the Sikkim Garib Aawas Yojana, the Chief Minister reaffirmed the State Government's commitment to ensuring that all eligible recipients of allotment orders are facilitated with their benefits by the year 2027.
Highlighting the 'Connect to CM' initiative, the Chief Minister advised the public to take full advantage of the virtual platform, which convenes every two months to provide direct government intervention for their aspirations.
The Chief Minister further encouraged stakeholders and the public to maintain the sanctity of the monastery through collective effort, advising that the values of Dharma be preserved in their purest form. He also articulated the need for unconditional service to society, suggesting a shift in mindset toward collaborative efforts for holistic upliftment, irrespective of personal affiliations.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister outlined the benefits of premier state schemes extended by the state government, such as Aama Yojana, Sikkim Garib Aawas Yojana, and the CM Meritorious Sikkim Scheme. He also highlighted on flagship programmes like "Mero Rukh, Mero Santati"(My Tree,My Legacy) and "Mero Bato, Mero Bot"(My Road,My Tree), as well as the installation of free sanitary napkin vending machines in schools, Chief Minister termed that these initiatives have been widely appreciated and adopted at the national level by the Centre Government.
In his concluding remarks, the Chief Minister assured full support on the feasible solutions for the aspirations presented by the Area MLA for Gyalshing-Bernyak and, even issued a directive to departments to discharge their public service responsibilities diligently.
Earlier, Area MLA Mr Lok Nath Sharma delivered the welcome address, describing the day as historic for the Sherpa community of the constituency. He expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister on behalf of the Organising Committee and the local residents.
Mr Sharma highlighted the multidimensional development projects upheld under the Chief Minister’s directives and mentioned the public aspirations regarding the designated Public Health Sub-Centre at Martam and the Model Bazar at Rangsang, Lower Bermiok.
A token of appreciation was bestowed upon the Chief Minister and distinguished guests by the Organising Committee.
The event concluded with His Eminence blessing the congregated devotees with the Sacred Tse-Wang (Life-Long Blessing).