GANGTOK, (IPR): The Tendong Lho Rum Faat Celebration Committee (TLRFCC) 2024 kicked-off the festivities with the third edition of Tendong Knowledge Series (TKS) at Chintan Bhawan today.
The programme was attended by M.N. Sherpa, Speaker, Sikkim Legislative Assembly, as the chief guest and P.T. Simik, vice chairman of Mayellyang Lepcha Development Board, Kalimpong, as the guest of honour.
Present amongst others were minister and TLRFCC chairman Arun Kumar Upreti, minister and TLRFCC president Samdup Lepcha, minister and TLRFCC patron Pintso Namgyal Lepcha, advisors, GMC councillors, former ministers, Padma Shri recipients, Sikkim State University vice chancellor, teachers, students and locals.
In his address, the chief guest underscored the significance of conserving the unique Lepcha customs, culture and language for posterity. He also commended the use of bamboo handicrafts skills of the Lepcha community and termed it as an asset to Sikkimese society.
Updating on the progress of the Stairway to Heaven project at Daramdin, Shepra, also the area MLA, suggested documenting Lepcha's history to showcase at the project site.
Samdup Lepcha spoke about the committee's dedication and the valuable contribution of the Chief Minister.
The Tendong Knowledge Series (TKS) was introduced by RMRK advisor and TKS founder Tseten Lepcha. TKS, launched in 2019, is a forum for scholars to honour and to present their research findings.
Tomtuk Lepcha spoke about the significance of Tendong Lho Rum Faat. Dr. Tashi Palzor Lepcha and Dr. Reshma Lepcha presented their papers in the first session.
Dr. Sandhya Thapa, head of Sociology department at Sikkim University, was the guest speaker for the session. She spoke on her personal research experience on the Lepcha community while highlighting many scholars' contributions in achieving Primitive Tribe Status for the Lepcha community.
The second session included presentation of papers by Dr. Aaron E. Lepcha, Dr. Sonam Rinchen Lepcha and Dr. Panjo Lepcha. Sonam Lepcha gave a special presentation on the Lepcha bamboo bridge.
In his address, guest of honour P.T. Simick stressed on conserving the Lepcha language and culture. He said that cultural preservation can be done individually through dance, songs and art, and urged the younger generation to participate actively in cultural festivals.
Former minister and TLRFCC patron Kunga Nima Lepha urged everyone to take the outcome from the session and implement them in their lives. He also stressed on the need for research in the local language and urged scholars to take advantage of the government's APATAN Fellowship Scheme.
The programme also witnessed felicitation of Pegong Youth Club for their contribution during the flash flood disaster in Sikkim.
Earlier, the programme began with a symbolic ritual by the Bongthing, followed by a welcome song by students of the Lepcha department of Sikkim University.