SKM Sarkar made community events free from political interference: Golay
NAMCHI, : Chief Minister PS Golay on Tuesday announced a restricted
government holiday for ‘Ubhauli Sakewa’ from the coming year as per the demand
of the Rai community of Sikkim.
Addressing the State-level ‘Udhauli’ Sakewa celebration at Namchi, the Chief Minister mentioned that this Sakewa festival of winter is already a government holiday but the ‘Ubhauli’ Sakewa is also equally important for the Rai community. As there is a strong demand from the Rai community, the ‘Ubhauli’ Sakewa is declared as a restricted government holiday for the community, he said.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also announced to establish an art academy and art gallery in the name of prominent artist Bijay Mani Tholung. He said the Bijay Mani Tholung Art Academy & Gallery would be established in the complex of the under-construction Atmanirbhar Research Centre in Gangtok.
Earlier in the morning, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of the Rai Khim at Singithang. Namchi town saw a colourful celebration of Sakewa (Udhauli) with the State-level celebration organized by Akhil Kirat Rai Sangh (AKRS) Sikkim at Kisan Bazaar.
Addressing the gathering, Golay maintained that his utmost resolve is to preserve and promote the distinct cultural heritage of every Sikkimese community. He stressed that nobody should politicize the cultural and religious initiative of any community.
“Our SKM government has never discriminated any community and does not politicize any community-based programmes. We have kept community festivals free from political interference. Even while staying in opposition for ten years, we never politicized community-organisations and festivals and did not interfere in association elections. We respect all communities and faiths, and extend uniform support to every community and faith,” said Golay.
The Chief Minister urged every Sikkimese to come forward to strengthen the cultural heritage of all communities. “Instead of calling a cultural festival of this and that community, we should promote different community based festivals as our own. The dream of ‘Sunaulo Sikkim’ can be achieved when every community comes forward to safeguard Sikkimese identity and diverse cultural heritage. No one can break us if we remain united,” he said.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister highlighted the developmental and welfare measures taken by the State government for the Rai community including the International Kirat Rai Linguistic and Cultural Research Centre in Ranka and Kirat Manokamana Dhaam in Pareng Gaon, with 70% completion. He mentioned about the regularisation of Rai language teachers in the State.
AKRS Sikkim president Mohan Dungmali briefed about the significance of Sakewa celebration and the Sangh’s achievements in the State till date.
The official website of AKRS Sikkim and its calendar were launched by the Chief Minister, followed by the release of ‘Smarika’, a book that encompasses the tradition and culture of the Rai community.
During the programme, a book titled ‘History of the efforts made by AKRS’ by Dr SK Rai was also released by the Chief Minister.