CM treks 7km up Mt Tendong

EOI, GANGTOK/NAMCHI, 8 Aug 2014: Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling today trekked 7kms uphill towards Mt. Tendong in South Sikkim to celebrate Lepcha festival of Tendong Lho Rum Faat. Chief Minister was accompanied by SLA Speaker KN Rai, Deputy Speaker Sonam Gyatsho Lepcha and the CM’s legal advisor KT Gyaltsen among many others.

After reaching the venue of the festivities, chief minister offered his prayers and addressed the gathering. Chamling said one of his government’s greatest achievements in the last 20 years has been its efforts to provide religious, cultural, social and traditional security to the people of Sikkim. “The SDF government’s policy and philosophy behind governance is its belief in social democracy and inclusive politics, wherein every caste and community of the state enjoys equal opportunity and rights. We are secular government and will always remain so,” he stressed. “We are also very practical in our approach. The government had promised a state holiday on the occasion of Tendong Lho Rum Faat and we kept the promise,” the CM added.

He further said every religion teaches to love and respect humanity and nature, and this teaching must not be confined only within the religious preaching. “It should also be followed by everyone, so that society will grow and find the right path for a secure future,” Chamling observed. Referring to various communities in Sikkim, Chief Minister urged them to work for the benefit of the Sikkimese society rather than indulge in creating confusing, unrest and hatred among the communities.

Chamling reassured the Lepcha and Bhutia communities that all their religious rights and protections have been secured by the state government. He urged the indigenous tribal communities not to fall for the false allegations and issues created by the opposition parties and to believe inthe SDF government and the constitution. Chief Minister also assured support to the entire religious communities in Sikkim for their overall development. 

Further, the CM lauded the Lepcha community’s decision to celebrate Tendong Lho Rum Faat at Mt. Tendong every year on August 8. He vouched to connect Tendong Hill with ropeway and asked to the committee members to make a suggestion list for the development of Tendong Hill. He promised all support from the government on progressive development suggestions for the sacred Lepcha religious site. The CM also planted a tree sapling at the religious site on the occasion.

The programme was also addressed by the Chairman of Tendong Lho Rum Faat organizing committee DT Lepcha and President OT Lepcha.

Earlier while enjoying his uphill trek and the sights and sounds of the pristine forest of the Tendong hills, Chamling said the forests of Sikkim has flourished in SDF government regime and is a creditable achievement. He said the reserve forests and wildlife is the true wealth of the state.    

Hundreds of people from different parts of Sikkim, Darjeeling and Kalimpong ascended up the Tendong hills to celebrate Tendong Lho Rum Faat. Lepchas believe Mt. Kanchenjunga saved them from being destroyed by floods and they worship Mr. Tendong as a deity to the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga. The festival also shows strong connection and love of Lepchas towards Nature.