Sikkim Government Reaffirms Commitment to Community Development and Cultural Preservation

New Delhi, August 11: Chief Minister Mr. Prem Singh Tamang, accompanied by his spouse Mrs. Krishna Rai, attended the Tendong Lho Rum Faat Celebration 2025 at Mannan Bhawan as Chief Guest.

Welcoming Miwang (Prince) Denjong Gyelsay Rinpoche Palden Gyurmed Namgyal, the Chief Minister highlighted the festival’s deep connection to Sikkim’s tradition of environmental preservation, strengthened by progressive policies and community participation. He cited flagship initiatives such as Mero Rukh Mero Santati, which links tree plantation with the birth of every child alongside the Sikkim Shishu Samridhi Yojana, and Mero Rukh Mero Bato in Soreng district, where active participants were awarded ₹50,000 for roadside tree plantation efforts.

Mr. Tamang emphasised the State Government’s inclusivity, noting the strong representation of Lepcha members in the Legislative Assembly, government departments, and administrative posts, reflecting Sikkim’s unity in diversity.

Announcing new projects, he confirmed funding for the Lepcha Bhawan, upcoming plans for a Bhutia Bhawan, and the completion of the “Stairway to Heaven” project in Daramdin for future festival celebrations. The Lepcha King Thekung Munsolong Statue at Lingthem is also nearing completion, set to become a cultural and tourism landmark.

On education, he reaffirmed support for the Chief Minister’s Merit Scholarship Scheme for Lepcha students from Dzongu, the APATAN Fellowship Scheme for Ph.D. scholars, and cited Kursongkit Lepcha, a recipient of the Nar Bahadur Bhandari Fellowship, now at the University of Cambridge. Around 489 Lepcha students currently benefit from the Chief Minister Education Assistance Scheme. He also noted that the State has proposed including Bhutia, Lepcha, and Limboo languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, and directed the Education Department to prioritise appointments of Lepcha Assistant Professors at Manshila and Burtuk Colleges.

Further, the Chief Minister announced ₹5 lakh office grants for all community associations and proposed a rest house at Tendong Dara for use during festival rituals. He encouraged pride in heritage through a weekly “Traditional Wear Day” in government offices.

The programme featured prayers at the Mun/Boongthing altar, traditional stalls, Lepcha script recitations, cultural performances, and award presentations including the Tendong Award and various Lepcha literary honours. Mun/Boongthing from all districts and performers, including a team from Nepal, were felicitated.

Tendong Lho Rum Faat is a sacred Lepcha festival offering prayers for the peace and well-being of Sikkim. It commemorates the legend of Mount Tendong rising to save the Lepcha ancestors from a great flood—symbolising protection, gratitude, and harmony with nature. The festival reaffirms the community’s spiritual bond with the environment, safeguards ancestral traditions, and fosters unity across generations.