Sittong, Kurseong to have a statue of Ari Bahadur Gurung

Ari Bahadur Gurung, a gorkha who signed the approved copy of the Indian Constitution when it was adopted, hailed from Kalimpong

PRASHANT ACHARYA, EOI, SILIGURI, NOVEMBER 4, 2023 : A statue of Ari Bahadur Gurung, committee member in the formulation of the constitution of independent India will be erected in Sittong, Kurseong. 

The Ari Bahadur Gurung Foundation, a non-governmental organization, plans to erect a 50-foot statue commemorating Barrister Ari Bahadur Gurung. The foundation intends also to establish a museum and memorial dedicated to the brave Gorkha individuals who had sacrificed their lives for the nation. Foundation Secretary Babindra Sharma said in a news conference in Siliguri on Saturday that they would conduct research in various domains such as science, technology, education, literature, art, and culture, with a specific focus on the Gorkha community's advancement and preservation. 

Founder President Amit Gurung said to secure the necessary financial resources for this significant undertaking, the Foundation would actively seek contributions from the general public, elected officials, social organizations, and various governmental bodies such as the Centre, the State Government, and Gorkhaland regional administrations. 

Additionally, the Foundation would engage in non- political initiatives, such as musical events and calendar sales, to generate funds. Ari Bahadur Gurung successfully completed his undergraduate studies at the esteemed Scottish Church College in Calcutta, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree on March 2, 1935. 

Notably, he was among a select few Gurkhas to achieve this milestone during that period. Subsequently, he obtained the Bar at Law degree 27 January 27, 1941, from the Inns of Court, Middle Temple, in London. 

He holds the distinction of being the inaugural Member of Parliament for the Darjeeling constituency in the Lok Sabha, following India's attainment of independence. This significant appointment occurred in 1948. 

In 1950, he assumed the position of the inaugural president of the All India Gorkha Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association. Additionally, in the same year, he was appointed as a member of the West Bengal Constituency Delimitation Advisory Committee. He passed away on July 4, 1980

Ed: GTA has installed a bust of Ari Bahadur Gurung at Lal Kothi in Darjeeling and unveiled it on 26th January 2017. Late Ari Bahadur Gurung, a gorkha who signed the approved copy of the Indian Constitution when it was adopted, hailed from Kalimpong he was the first barrister of Darjeeling hills. Two members of Gorkha community were present in the Constituent Assembly namely Damber Singh Gurung (Bengal:General) and after his death Ari Bahadur Gurung (West Bengal: General).

Damber Singh Gurung and Ari Bahadur Gurung were among the founding fathers of the Indian Constitution. They were active participants in the debates of the Constituent Assembly of India. Ari Bahadur, Bar- at-Law from Darjeeling, was one of the signatories during the introduction of the Indian Constitution enumerated by Dr. Baba Sahib Bhim Rao Ambedkar. He was present to sign in the Book of Constitution when it was adopted on 26 November 1949. Source: FB