GEYZING,: Chief Minister P.S. Golay
participated in Lepcha festival Nam-Aal-Namsoong at Gangyap under
Yuksam-Tashiding constituency on Saturday.
In
his address, the Chief Minister extended his greetings to the Lepcha community
and emphasized the importance of festivals in promoting and preserving cultural
heritage. He highlighted that community celebrations like Nam-Aal-Namsoong
serve as a platform for educating the younger generation about customs, culture
and traditions, fostering unity and coordination within the community.
Golay
stressed the critical role parents play in imparting knowledge about culture,
language and literature to their children. “We need to make new generation
aware about language, culture and traditions, because extinction of our
heritage would ultimately lead to eradication of our very identity.”
Golay
maintained that in order to promote and preserve Sikkim’s distinct cultural
heritage and to ensure educational facilities to children on their language,
literature and cultural heritage, the State government has appointed
representatives from various communities in the Culture department and ensured
the placement of language teachers in educational institutions.
Golay
reiterated the SKM government’s commitment to maintaining communal harmony
without political interference. “Under SKM government, no community has to
worry about political interference regarding the organizational affairs and
community based initiatives,” chief minister said.
He
also assured the Lepcha community of continued government support for their
cultural and developmental needs.
On
the occasion, the Chief Minister shared that a Lepcha Bhawan would be
established soon in Gangtok and promised annual grants for Lepcha associations.
Responding to developmental demands placed by Tourism minister and area MLA
Tshering T. Bhutia such as road upgrade, a multipurpose community hall, a public
ground at Gangyap, upgradation of Tashiding primary health centre to a community
health centre and a Tara Devi statue at Chongrang, the Chief Minister assured
the allocation of required funds for the projects.
Golay
expressed that Yuksam-Tashiding constituency, considered as one of the most
backward regions in the State, has been growing off late in terms of
development as, he said, the State government has worked committedly,
prioritizing the development of rural region such as Yuksam-Tashiding.
The
Nam-Aal-Namsoong festival featured traditional Lepcha food stalls, cultural
performances and other activities. The organizing committee felicitated the
Chief Minister and other prominent Lepcha personalities for their contributions
to the community's upliftment.
