Sikkim chief minister Mr Pawan Kumar Chamling
felicitated Padmashree awardee and Lepcha historian Sonam
Tshering Lepcha at a function here today. Mr Chamling presented
a citation and cash award to Mr Lepcha and appealed to all
to get inspired by his achievements and contributions.
A living history of Lepcha community, Sonam Tshering Lepcha
received the Padmashree award on 5 April by the President
of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, in New Delhi. He had been selected
for the award for his valuable contributions towards protection
and promotion of Lepcha culture, language and traditions.
"Sonam Tshering Lepcha has made Sikkim proud", Mr
Chamling said in his congratulatory note. He hoped that the
people would receive constant inspiration from Mr Lepcha.
The felicitation ceremony had been included during the valedictory
session of the two-day state level seminar on Lepcha culture
and language, jointly organised by Sikkim Lepcha Language
Forum and Sikkim Lepcha Association. Lepcha language teachers
from all the four districts of the state had participated
in the two-day deliberations.
The chief minister also gave his consent to the demands made
by the Lepcha associations. Fellowship grants for the Lepcha
students planning to do Ph.D and training programme for the
Lepcha language teachers were the two main demands of the
associations.
Highlighting the steps taken for protection and promotion
of Lepcha community, Mr Chamling said his government had always
worked for the upliftment of backward communities.
Regarding Primitive Tribe status for Lepchas, Mr Chamling
said that bill has already been passed by the state Assembly
and several requests have been placed before the Centre.
"The Primitive Tribe status is our effort to ensure greater
protection for Lepchas and to make sure that its identity
remains," Mr Chamling, said. He added that Primitive
status for Lepchas will not have adverse effects on other
communities. Instead, it would open doors for them to receive
the same status and other benefits.
The chief minister announced that if the status grant from
Delhi gets delayed, the state government would implement it
in the state. "If there is a delay from the Centre, we
will implement it in the state", he said.
Mr Chamling called for perusal of higher education by the
students due to enormous potential that lies ahead. He appealed
to the Lepcha teachers to encourage their students for higher
education.
Mr NT Lepcha, vice president of Sikkim Lepcha Association,
said the two-day deliberations focused on ensuring the survival
of Lepcha language. He requested the teachers to teach their
wards properly and in an honest manner. Senior cabinet minister
Mr DT Lepcha also spoke on the occasion.
Courtesy: The Statesman |
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