Gangtok: The 100th birth anniversary of the last King of Sikkim, 12th Chogyal late Palden Thondup Namgyal, was celebrated with a three-day grand event at the National Institute of Tibetology premises in Gangtok. The commemoration ceremony was attended by distinguished delegates, including members of the royal families of Sikkim and Bhutan.
Guests and the public gathered to pay their respects to the late King, offering khadas to his statue as part of the closing ceremony for the year-long birth centennial celebrations. The event featured traditional rituals and performances, symbolizing the rich cultural heritage of Sikkim.
In the absence of Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Golay, Education Minister Kunga Nima Lepcha, Ecclesiastical Affairs Minister Sonam Lama, and Roads and Bridges Minister Samdup Lepcha represented the Sikkim government at the ceremony.
During the celebrations, 13th Chogyal Wangchuk Namgyal highlighted the deep love and affection King Palden Thondup Namgyal had for Sikkim. Wangchuk emphasized the late King’s dedication to the development, peace, education, and well-being of the people. He stressed the importance of preserving the late King’s legacy and passing it on to future generations. Check out this article for more details.
The occasion also saw the submission of a memorandum to the Sikkim government, urging the declaration of a state holiday on the birth anniversary of the 12th Chogyal.
Reflecting on the significance of the late Chogyal’s contributions, Minister Kunga Nima Lepcha highlighted the importance of the Tripartite Agreement of 1973, signed by King Palden Thondup Namgyal. This agreement ensured the protection of the rights of the Bhutia, Lepcha, and Nepali communities of Sikkim under Article 371F of the Indian Constitution.
As a token of appreciation, Chogyal Wangchuk presented Centennial medals to Pangtoed Bas from Pemayangtse and bikers from various organizations who participated in the Centennial bike ride from Yuksom to Tsuklakhang Palace.
The commemoration of the 100th birth anniversary serves as a reminder of the late King’s vision and aspirations for Sikkim, igniting a sense of positivity and appreciation for the state’s progress. It is hoped that the celebration will continue to inspire future generations to uphold the values and ideals cherished by the former King.
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Gangtokian Web Team, 23/05/23