GANGTOK, (IPR): The 173rd birth anniversary of Padri Ganga Prasad Pradhan was
celebrated in the mini theatre of Manan Kendra, Gangtok today.
GT
Dhungel, minister for Health and Family Welfare and Culture departments graced
the occasion as the chief guest.
The
programme organised by ‘Padri Ganga Prasad Pradhan Prathisthan Sikkim’ was also
attended by Jacob Khaling, former political secretary to the Chief Minister,
Nakul Das Rai, former Member of Parliament, MT Sherpa, secretary, Urban
Development department, senior pastors, dignitaries, distinguished members of
the community and members of the Padri Ganga Prasad Pradhan Prathisthan.
Addressing
the gathering, chief guest GT Dhungel spoke about legacy of Padri Ganga Prasad
Pradhan, paying homage to his rich work in uplifting the Christian society as
well as the Gorkha community.
Dhungel
spoke on the importance of Bible in Nepali language to cater to the masses. He
further highlighted that Padri Ganga Prasad Pradhan, who was the first pastor
from the Nepali community, was also the first journalist to print a Nepali
newspaper called ‘Gorkhey Khabar Kagaj.’
The
foundation felicitated GT Dhungel and Jacob Khaling, recognising their work in
the society and also presented Nakul Das Rai with a memento.
The ‘Padri
Ganga Prasad Pradhan Prathisthan’ presented the following awards:
1.
Rev PS Timbo of EPCS Church, Gangtok in the field of religion and spirituality
2.
Elder John Dick Khawas in the field of music
3.
Rev C Sodemba in the field of social work
4.
Mingma Sherpa of Lum Government School, Dzongu in the field of education
5.
Tek Bahadur Gurung (Tamu) in the field of literature
6.
Arpan Pradhan in the field of journalism
Earlier,
the programme commenced with an offering of prayer by Pastor Silas Rai.
GT
Dhungel, along with other distinguished guests, paid homage to Late Padri Ganga
Prasad Pradhan by offering ‘khadas’ to his portrait.
The welcome
address was presented by Kamal Chamling ‘Kamrangay’, president of the Padri
Ganga Prasad Pradhan Prathisthan.
The
programme had various presentations which included a song composed by Padri
Ganga Prasad Pradhan, presented by the choir group of EPCS Gangtok, reading of
a verse from the Bible translated by Padri by Kyamuna Pradhan. Furthermore,
Chuni Lal Ghimirey presented a brief biography of Padri along with a short film
highlighting Padri’s works and Merina Bhutia offered a devotional song in
remembrance of the Padri.
Additionally,
a poem written by Padri was recited by Krista Tseten Lepcha and a musical
presentation was performed by Elder John Dick Khawas.
The vote
of thanks was proposed by Pravin Khaling, publicity secretary. The programme
concluded with a prayer and blessings by pastor Solomon Shankar.
