GYEZING,:
Chief Minister P.S. Golay on Wednesday attended the State-level Sakewa festival
held at Tathang village in Yuksam-Tashiding constituency this year as the chief
guest. He was accompanied by his spouse Krishna Rai, Cabinet ministers, MLAs
and other dignitaries.
Chief
Minister Golay, in his hour-long speech, said that Sakewa, one of the most
significant festivals of the Rai community, is an integral part of their
age-old cultural heritage. He thanked Akhil Kirat Rai Sangh (AKRS) Sikkim for
inviting him to the festival and stated that he was honoured to be part of a
cultural celebration of any Sikkimese community.
Golay
stated that AKRS Sikkim should not be seen as a political organization but as
an entity dedicated to empowering the Rai community through various
initiatives.
“Do
not view AKRS through a political lens. The organization is working to empower
the Rai community and create opportunities for its advancement,” said Chief
Minister. He also mentioned that while Udhauli Sakewa is celebrated in Sikkim,
Ubhauli Sakewa could be celebrated by the Rai community in other regions such
as the Darjeeling Hills and encouraged support for the initiatives of the Rai
community beyond Sikkim's borders.
The
Chief Minister referred to the SKM government as the
guardian of all communities in Sikkim. He stated that the State’s
responsibility lies in the welfare, development and protection of the
communities’ interests and aspirations.
Golay
emphasized that as Chief Minister, he is committed to working with all
communities in Sikkim to ensure their growth and progress. He also reaffirmed
that the SKM government has diligently worked to serve the interests of all
communities in the State and has made sincere efforts to fulfil their demands.
Addressing
the infrastructural development demands related to the cultural and religious
heritage of the Rai community, Golay assured the community that their requests
would be fulfilled. He announced that as per the community’s request, a Rai
Khim (community hall) would be constructed in Gyalshing district. Additionally,
he pledged to address the shortage of Rai language teachers in educational
institutions and confirmed that Mani Das Rai would be appointed as an OSD for
the State Culture department, as requested by the community. He assured that
the office order for this appointment would be issued on Thursday.
Regarding
the development demands for Yuksam-Tashiding constituency, presented by Tourism
minister and area MLA, the Chief Minister promised to address them for the
constituency’s greater development. These included the construction of a Tara
Devi statue at Chongrang, establishment of a degree college in the
constituency, construction of a bridge over Kanchenjunga waterfalls, upgrading
of the Yuksam police outpost to a police station and other infrastructural
projects.
Golay
also pledged to develop the remote village of Labdang to match the development
model of Pokhara in Nepal.
On
the occasion, the organising committee felicitated the Chief Minister and
different individuals from the Rai community.
Earlier
in the morning, the Chief Minister along with his spouse Krishna Rai visited
the sacred Khecheopalri Lake and offered prayers.
