Gangtok:
From signature campaigning to planting tree saplings, processions to pamphlet campaigning and picketing mobile service providers to warning power suppliers, Sikkim and Darjeeling regions are being emotionally integrated on an unprecedented scale, all because of Prashant Tamang — a 24-year-old, from Tungsung who has been selected for Indian Idol (one of the biggest singing talent-hunt contest in the country) and have made it to the top 10, out of 25000 contestants across the country.A brief thanks giving ceremony was organised at BL House, Tibet Road today under the Chairmanship of Thuckchuk Lachungpa, President of Citizen Forum, also attended by NK Pradhan, area MLA Gangtok as the chief guest.
Organised by the Sikkim Journalist Forum (SJF), the function started with offerings of khadas to all the guests on dais. Placing the welcome speech Kishore Moktan, President of Sikkim Journalist Forum said the victory of Prashant is not just his line victory but a success story for the entire people residing in the Himalayas and also for all music lovers.
Today he also clarified that the forum is formed with a vision to encourage the budding talents. “Prashant is preparing a platform for our next generations and we are simply joining hands in his mission”, Mr Moktan said. Remarking Prashant’s achievement as a mark of solidarity between the people of Darjeeling and Sikkim, he said the forum has no other intention to promote any communal disharmony.
According a warm welcome to the guests from Darjeeling, Thuckchuk Lachungpa said, music, literature and culture has no topographical barriers neither it has any caste, creed or genders. Urging the people to caste more votes for Prashant, he also formally announced to reward the highest SMS sender from Sikkim with lucrative prizes.
“Prashant is not only making all of us proud but also bonding scattered Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha and other communities with one relation through music”, he said. NK Pradhan during his deliberations read out an SMS sent by one of his friend that reads, “There are over 10 million Nepali speaking people in India. 30% of them have mobiles and even if half of us vote for Prashant at 2525, we have among us the first Nepali Indian Idol. I hope you all will make our presence felt in the country. Its not only about him, its about us. We are all bonded by blood”.
Prashant’s mother, Ms Rupa Tamang joining her hands acknowledged all the people of Sikkim for their tireless concern in making Prashant the next Indian idol. “It was two months back Prashant was my son. Now he is the son of every people residing in the Himalayas”, she said.
Tenzing Sherpa, Commissioner (Prashant’s campaign, Darjeeling) added he was surprised to notice the huge response from the people of Sikkim for Prashant. He also assured to bring Prashant Tamang to Sikkim once Indian Idol is over.
Roshan Rai, Managing Director, Nayuma Television handed over the CD exclusively prepared for Prashant by Nayuma Television to his mother and assured all possible help in reaching the message of voting Prashant to nook and corners of the state.
Mr Rai pointed that three simultaneous musical competition programme in three different channels are in progress, which is yet another aspect that shows some clear indications of Prashant’s victory as votes of other contestants hailing from other states are likely to be get divided.
Likewise, Kiran Rasaily, a socialite also brought into the notice that many singing talents also exist in Sikkim who should also try their luck at Indian Idol following Prashant’s paths. Following CL Ghimirey, MD Channel Ace announced second prize for the second best SMS sender for Prashant from Sikkim.
Others to address the gathering were SK Sarda, President Chamber of Commerce, Dhiraj Bantawa, President Weekly Editor’s Forum, Yangi Piansa of All Sikkim Educated Unemployed Association. Manoj Rai and Pawan Rai, the winners of Swar Sikkim also made their musical presentations at the function.
