It's not often that the essence of a man, especially a man with a heart of poet, can be summed up in one sentence. But then again, there haven't been many people like Dr.Pawan Chamling.
"A life is not important," he said, "except in the impact it has on other lives."
Dr. Pawan Chamling led the way for generations of sikkimese people.
By that standard, few people -- and no politician -- this new millennium has impacted more lives in Sikkim. Dr. Chamling lit the light and passed it on to several generations of sikkimese people.
By that standard, few people -- and no politician -- this new millennium has impacted more lives in Sikkim. Dr. Chamling lit the light and passed it on to several generations of sikkimese people.
Holding a candle of rebellion Pawan Chamling searched for democracy in Sikkim’s Legislative Assembly and made his intentions ring loud and clear. “I am not bound to win but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed but I am bound to live up to what light I have” No he didn’t say that but these words of late American President Abraham Lincoln found perfect expression in the conduct of poet MLA Pawan Chamgling.
The banner of revolt that he raised dethroned the ruling government of Sikkim and ushered a new dawn for the hilly state. Change and Chamling became synonymous in the 1994 assembly elections where his debutante party made a clean sweep. Chamling was made the
Chief Minister. Whether he walked the distance to his promises fast or slow is debatable but he has not walked back. Born on 22nd September, 1950 at Yangang (South Sikkim) to father Ashbahadur and mother Asharani, Pawan Chamling started his career as a farmer and later became a first class contractor. An active social worker, he made his mark in the field of literature, apart from engaging himself in various other creative activities. Consolidating the traditional relationship of rural organistaions and institutions, he also initiated the process of creating awareness among the village populace by establishing libraries and cooperative societies, besides mobilising his friends in organising drama and other cultural activities.
Chief Minister. Whether he walked the distance to his promises fast or slow is debatable but he has not walked back. Born on 22nd September, 1950 at Yangang (South Sikkim) to father Ashbahadur and mother Asharani, Pawan Chamling started his career as a farmer and later became a first class contractor. An active social worker, he made his mark in the field of literature, apart from engaging himself in various other creative activities. Consolidating the traditional relationship of rural organistaions and institutions, he also initiated the process of creating awareness among the village populace by establishing libraries and cooperative societies, besides mobilising his friends in organising drama and other cultural activities.
The year 1973 saw Chamling enter politics, and actively get involved in the people`s revolution of 1973. Sikkim Prajatantra was the first political party that he joined. During his political career, Chamling has held several positions. He became the president of Yangang Gram Panchayat in 1982 and member of Sikkim Legislative Assembly in 1985. He made it back to the Sikkim Legislative Assembly from Damthang Constitutency(1989) with 96% votes and was inducted in the Cabinet as Minister for Industries, Printing, Information and Public Relations.He served the state in that capacity from 1989 to 1992. On the 9th September 1992, Chamling created a stir in the Legislative Assembly by searching for democracy with a lighted candle, as protest against the then autocratic and dictatorial government. He had touched the wrong nerve. 
As a result he had to remain underground from June 19th to September 22nd in 1993 from where he continued his political activity. Fourth of March, 1993 saw the birth of Sikkim Democratic Front with a commitment to up-hold democracy, justice and liberty. 
The year 1994 saw the Sikkim Democratic Front sweep the assembly elections securing a majority. Elected as the leader of the party he became Chief Minister. But there`s more to the man than politics. Chamling`s social and philanthropic works include donation of sites for schools and agricultural land to landles peasants. He also initiated the construction of homes for the homeless. His motto has been that labour must not be deprived of its reward. Chamling also has to his credit publications in Nepali, Hindi and English. He has been awarded the Chintan Puraskar by the Sikkim Sahitya Parishad in 1987 for his poetic skills.In his poem Musings; he talks of musing of the mass under tyranny, he says, death is the desire of all, and there is no one to wipe the tears of the suffering masses; whose humanity is being trampled under steam roller of tyranny. Veer Koh Parichaya; was the first poem he composed in 1967 while still a student. 
Subsequently his other poems like Paranweek Kavita Haroo, Antaheen Sapana Mero Bipana, Mo Ko Hum and Kranti - Ko Pravesh followed. His collection of poems Antaheen Sapana Mero Biapana bagged him Chintan Puraskar Award in 1987, which was later 1Slated into English. Being a literary figure himself he established Nirman Prakashan a publication unit and a literary magazine 'Nirman' in 1977. Nirman Prakashan as a publication unit has so far published over 200 books authored both by novice as well as veteran writers.
And his political skills earned him recognition from the President of the country. He was awarded Bharat Shiromani in 1996 for national integration and preservation of democracy in the state. The first-term Government formed under Pawan Chamling proved highly productive. The Government took a bold decision to divert 70% of the total state budget for the development of rural areas that constitute real Sikkim. New measures were undertaken to regain and strengthen democratic culture laid astray by years of individualistic monopoly. Ways were contemplated to give enough teeth to Rule of Law and secure all natural freedoms. New policies and programmes were adopted with a view to boost economic status of the poor Sikkimese living under abject negligence and poverty. The steps that Chamling Government took to bring Sikkim to the national mainstream deserve a special mention. After the formation of his Government, Chamling has been constantly at work for emotional integration of Sikkim with the rest of the Country. Development of positive Sikkimese mentality that entails love of Sikkim together with respect for the Country with a sense of unbounded patriotism has been the bedrock of his government`s philosophy.
He was conferred with the title of Doctorate of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) on the 11th October, 2003 by the Manipal University.
A poet, a dreamer, Chamling nurtures a dream for his state and its people. In his own words, "I have a vision for Sikkim. I would like to build a Sikkim which is a heaven of peace and tranquility. Where every citizen is safe and secure. Where the poor and the deprived get equal opportunity to grow and prosper. I would like to build an altogether new and sukhi (happy and prosperous) Sikkim, which will be the pride of "Mother India". Poetic words from a poet and writer who is at the helm of affairs in Sikkim today.
A poet, a dreamer, Chamling nurtures a dream for his state and its people. In his own words, "I have a vision for Sikkim. I would like to build a Sikkim which is a heaven of peace and tranquility. Where every citizen is safe and secure. Where the poor and the deprived get equal opportunity to grow and prosper. I would like to build an altogether new and sukhi (happy and prosperous) Sikkim, which will be the pride of "Mother India". Poetic words from a poet and writer who is at the helm of affairs in Sikkim today.
President of India, K R Narayanan aptly described this gentleman when he said, "I have the greatest respect for Pawan Chamling, not only as Chief Minister but as a person and great human being." No words could describe the personality of Pawan Chamling, Chief Minister of Sikkim, better than these words used by the then President of India, while conferring the National Integration Award on him. A poet, a rebel, Chamling often reminds one of P B Shelley. The similarities between Percy Shelley and Pawan Chamling extend beyond poetry and cap at a point of rebellion against wrong in society. Though unlike the great poet he wasn’t expelled from his university but Chamling has proved himself to be no less a radical in his poetry and politics. In this poet rebel Sikkimese have undoubtedly got Shelly for CM. Could they ask for more?
AwardsChintan Puraskaar-1987.
Bharat Shiromani-1996.
The Greenest Chief Minister of India-1998.
Man of dedication-1999.
Poet’s foundation Award-Kolkata-2002.
Dr. of Philosophy (honoris causa) degree from Manipal University -11th Oct.2003.
Best state Award in Education hosted by India. Today group on 6th August 2004 and others.
