S T Lepcha felicitated at Sikkim by Chamling

Gangtok:  Dr Pawan Kumar Chamling, chief minister of Sikkim, felicitated the Mr. Sonam Tshering Lepcha at a function here at Tadung Govt. College. 81-year-old, Mr. Sonam Tshering Lepcha received the Padmashree award on 5 April by the President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, in New Delhi. The award was given for his valuable contributions towards protection and promotion of Lepcha music & culture, language and traditions.

The felicitation ceremony was jointly organised by Sikkim Lepcha Language Forum and Sikkim Lepcha Association. During the occasion, Dr. Chamling said, "Sonam Tshering Lepcha has made Sikkim proud", and appealed to all to get inspired by his achievements and contributions.

Dr. Chamling has been pursuing to the Central government for Lepcha community as Primitive Tribe status. "The Primitive Tribe status is our effort to ensure greater protection for Lepcha community and to make sure that its identity remains," said Mr Chamling. "If there is a delay from the Centre, we will implement it in the state, which will have several other benefits for the community", he announced.

The chief minister also gave his consent to the demands made by the Lepcha associations. Fellowship grants for the Lepcha students planning to do PhD and training programme for the Lepcha language teachers were the two main demands of the associations.

Senior cabinet ministers were also present in the ceremony.

Dr. Pawan Kumar Chamling has been always encouraging to the people of Darjeeling hills and quick to respond on its activities. Meanwhile, Mr. Subash Ghisingh remained far behind in this respect.