News & Announcement

NAMCHI CELEBRATES 211th BHANU JAYANTI

Date: 13-Jul-2025
Namchi, July 13 (IPR):
The 211th Bhanu Jayanti was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Namchi District Officers’ Club today.
The commemorative programme was jointly organised by the Dakshin Sikkim Sahitya Sammelan (DSSS) in collaboration with the District Administrative Centre (DAC), Namchi.
The event was graced by the presence of Mr. Satish Chandra Rai, MLA of 11 Namchi-Singhithang constituency, who attended as the chief guest.
MLA- 11 Namchi Singhithang, Mr Satish Chandra Rai, in his address expressed deep appreciation for the immense contributions of Adikavi Bhanu Bhakta, acknowledging his pivotal role in laying the foundation of Nepali literature and inspiring generations to follow his literary path.
He also paid tribute to Late Sanu Lama, recognising his lasting legacy through the composition of Sikkim’s State Anthem ‘Jahaan Bagcha Teesta Rangeet’ and his work in the literature.
During the event, a truly memorable highlight of the celebration was the heartfelt recitation of an original poem by Mr Satish Chandra Rai. Authored by himself, the poem captivated the audience with its profound emotional depth and inspiring message, marking a historic first in the event’s history.
Further he applauded the dedication and enthusiasm shown by students during the event, especially in the field of Nepali literature. He assured his continued support for nurturing young literary talents and committed to aiding in the promotion of the Nepali language for a brighter future.
He concluded his speech with his very first own poem recitation on titled ‘Bhanu Timi Udhayo’, adding a personal literary touch to the occasion.
DC Namchi Ms Anupa Tamling, welcomed the gathering and reflected on the invaluable contributions of Adi Kavi Bhanu Bhakta towards the enrichment and recognition of the Nepali language.
She also paid heartfelt tribute to the late Padma Shri Gadul Singh Lama, affectionately known as Sanu Lama, highlighting his remarkable legacy as a poet, fiction writer, and translator.
Moreover, she emphasised the importance of promoting Nepali language among the youth, encouraging them to consider it as a viable career path. She urged the audience to continue working for the preservation and growth of the language for the betterment of future generations.
She also encouraged the use of simple and clear Nepali language in everyday communication, underlining the importance of linguistic and cultural awareness in maintaining one’s identity.
Vice President DSSS, Mr Ganesh Chettri, shared a brief biography of Adi Kavi Bhanu Bhakta, noting that he was initially known as Devi Bhakta Acharya. It was through his significant contributions to literature particularly his translation of the Valmiki Ramayana into Nepali titled Bhanubhakta Ramayana, which is a landmark achievement that has laid the foundation of modern Nepali literary tradition.
A one minute silence was observed during the programme in memory of Late Sanu Lama, who was a founder of the Bhartiya Nepali Rashtriya Parishad and served as the General Secretary of the Sikkim Akademi.
He was the recipient of several prestigious honours including the Sahitya Akademi Award (1993) and the Padma Shri (2005).
A significant highlight of the event was the release of seven books in the presence of chief guest Mr Satish Chandra Rai. The newly published works include:
1. “Pancha Kavi Sangam” – a collective poetry anthology by six poets
2. “Kavyadhara Sangam” – by Govinda Mishra
3. “Pashcha Pratibha Sangam: Anthology of Joint Poems” – by Govinda Mishra
4. “Aptan Mera Yaadharu” – by Jaideep Subba
5. “Samayaka Paalharu” – by Wongdi Tshering Lama
6. “Rahar” – by Kamal Sapkota
7. “Anarthko Artha” – by Kamal Sapkota
A series of competitions were also held to mark the occasion, with the following winners:
Ramayan Recitation: PM Shri Girls Senior Secondary School
Poem Recitation: Shristi Rai (PM Shri Girls Senior Secondary School)
Writing Competition: Dinesh Sharma (Namchi Govt. College)
Painting Competition: Pratik Rai (PM Shri Senior Secondary School)
The painting competition was organised by the Indra Dhanus Chitra Kala Sanstha, Namchi.
As a token of appreciation, DSSS presented a Token of Love to the chief guest Mr Satish Chandra Rai through the hands of DC Namchi, Ms Anupa Tamling.
During the felicitation ceremony, DSSS also honoured Ms Anupa Tamling and author Govinda Mishra for his newly published book titled ‘Pancha Kavi Sangraman’.
The event concluded with the distribution of participation certificates by ADC Namchi Ms Tirsang Tamang and SDM Namchi Mr Saran Kalikotey.
The celebration stood as a fitting tribute to Adhikavi Bhanu Bhakta Acharya and a reaffirmation of the community’s commitment to preserving and promoting the richness of Nepali language and literature.
Also presented during were, Advisor of Panchayati Raj Ms Rama Tamang, Chairpersons, Councillors, ADC Namchi Ms Tirsang Tamang, SDM (HQ) Mr Nim Pintso Bhutia, SDM Mr Saran Kalikotey, ASP Bikash Tiwari, along HoOs, members of DSSS committee, teachers and students from various schools and colleges under Namchi District.