NAMCHI, (IPR): Chief Minister Prem Singh
Tamang-Golay along with his spouse Krishna Rai graced the concluding day of the
week-long Shrimad Bhagavat Saptah Gyan Mahayagya held at Siddheshwar Dham, Namchi.
The spiritual event marked the 15th Foundation
Year Celebrations of Siddheshwar Dham and began on April 19, culminating on
Friday in an atmosphere of divine devotion and cultural reverence.
The seven-day religious discourse was led by
Jagatguru Ananta Bidhushtu Balshanta Mohan Sharan Devacharya Maharaj Shree, with a
special sermon delivered by Shri Bihari Saran Guru Maharaj. The spiritual
leaders imparted teachings from the Shrimad Bhagavat, fostering self-awareness
and promoting human values.
In his address, the Chief Minister extended
heartfelt congratulations and sincere gratitude to Jagatguru Maharaj for his
divine presence and blessings. He remarked that the Mahayagya, coinciding with
the 50th year of Sikkim’s Statehood, brings immense spiritual merit to the State.
He reflected on the paradox of technological
advancement and the fading of true ‘chetna’ (consciousness), noting that
self-awareness can only be revived through kindness and humanity.
He further highlighted the government's efforts
since 2019 to unify communities and strengthen sectors such as health and
education. Emphasising cultural preservation, he spoke of initiatives to
safeguard Sikkim’s traditions, arts, languages, and heritage.
The Chief Minister paid tribute to former Chief
Minister, late Nar Bahadur Bhandari, for his pivotal role in achieving official
recognition for the Nepali language in India. Continuing this legacy, the
current government has declared the language recognition day as
Bhasa Manyata Diwas, a gazetted State holiday.
In his benediction, Jagatguru Maharaj described
Sikkim as a spiritually blessed land, graced not only by its natural beauty but
by sacred rivers such as the Teesta and Rangeet, revered in Hindu scriptures.
He praised the Chief Minister as a righteous and
dharmic leader, calling Sikkim a ‘tirthabhumi’ – a pilgrimage site for Hindus
worldwide. He emphasised the purifying power of the sacred rivers and shared
his spiritual journey through holy places, which he intends to compile into a
book to be presented to the Chief Minister.
As part of the day’s proceedings, the Chief
Minister performed the Medha Hawana, a sacred fire ritual for the prosperity and
welfare of the State.
He was also felicitated with a token of love and
respect by Jagatguru Maharaj, honouring his leadership and dedication.
The event was also attended by SLA deputy Speaker Raj Kumari Thapa, cabinet ministers, MLAs, advisors, chairpersons, Zilla Adhakshya and Upa-Adhakshya of Namchi, the NMC chairperson and councillors, DC Namchi, SSP Namchi, as well as HoOs from various line departments and a large gathering of devotees.
