The pain of losing a nation

The last Prime Minister of the Himalayan kingdom of Sikkim , Kazi Lhendup Dorji, met an ignominious death
On the northern corner of West Bengal state of India , there is a hill station-- Kalimpong, which once hosted celebrities from all over the world. The hill town, where most of the settlers are of Nepali origin, no longer retains its old charm. But until a few weeks ago the last prime minister of a country—that has lost its independence—used to live here. Kazi Lhendup Dorji, who died on 28 July this year at the ripe old age of 103, had played a pivotal role in the merger of Sikkim into India
Read Full article here:-
http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2007/others/guestcolumn/sep/guest_columns_05.php

LD KAZI AWARD FOR DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT

Gangtok: The state government of Sikkim has formally instituted an award in the honour of Sikkim's first Chief Minister Kazi Lhendup Dorji Khangsarpa who had passed away on Jul28, last month.

As per notification issued by the Home department on August10,2007 :

The award will be called 'LD KAZI AWARD FOR THE DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT' and will be conferred on either State day or Independence Day.It is learnt that award will be conferred on Independence day this year and henceforth on State Day. The award will go to the deserving person who have made praise worthy contribution to the democracy movement.

Apart from citation ,Award will carry a cash component of Rs.1 lakh.

The state Government ,it maybe recalled, has already announced plans to install a life-size statue of Kazi Sahib at Chintan Bhawan. He is known and remembered as the Father of democracy in Sikkim .

Dr. Chamling Inspects TheSpot for Statue of Kazi Sahib

Gangtok : The ChiefMinister Dr.Pawan Chamling always believed in actions and This was once again proved when this morning he undertook a visit to Chintan Bhawan along with political advisor B.B. Gooroong and other senior SDF members for choosing an appropriate spot for the installation of the statue in memory of Sikkim's first Chief Minister late L.D.Kazi who expired on July28,2007.

The bronze state of father of democracy would be installed by Building & Housing department but as his personal homage to Kazi Sahib, Dr.Chamling has announced that he would personally bear the expenses which will go into the making of the standing bronze statue which perhaps might weighs a tonne after sculpting.

EFFORTS ARE being made to install the statue of first ChiefMinister of Sikkim on or before his next anniversary.

Tearful farewell to Sikkim’s first CM

GANGTOK, Aug 3: About 5,000 people including ministers, officials and others gathered at the Old Rumtek Monastery near here today to pay their last respects to Sikkim’s first chief minister Kazi Lendup Dorjee Khangsherpa who passed away recently.His body was kept in a box covered with colorful khadas (traditional scarf) and the national flag under the Buddhist traditional parasol for all to observe.As rains took a break and the sun shone bright, Kazi’s body draped in the Tricolour was taken out of the old Rumtek monastery, which he had headed once, for the final journey. With monks chanting in the front followed by police band, the cortege was taken to the cremation ground above the monastery. Chief minister Mr Pawan Chamling and Assembly speaker Mr DN Thakarpa were present at the ceremony along with other ministers and dignitariesled by chief secretary N.D. Chingapa were present. The General officer commanding of the 17 Mountain Division, K.V.S. Lalotra, represented the army at the funeral. Giving a fillip to the local folklore, a rainbow appeared in the sky when the Kazi’s body was subjected to the flames.“It happens rarely, when spiritual leaders or great people die,” said Sonam Tshering, a monk.

IMAGES :First Chief Minister of Sikkim cremated with full state honours

The Funeral of Shri Kazi Lhendup Dorjee Khangsarpa

The Mortal of Kazi Sahib at old Rumtek Monastery.

Chief Minister Chamling and others in the funeral procession while the body is being taken-out.

The body of Kazi Sahib in tricolour is being taking towards crematorium

Sikkim Lamas in front of funeral procession blowing gyaling.

The funeral procession and the Old Rumtek monastery can be seen behind the crowd

The traditional Buddhist crematorium where the mortal is kept for last rite

The Lamas in the row praying for Kazi Sahib's eternal journey.

The wreath being placed as mark of respect by visibly sad Sikkim CM Dr.Pawan Chamling

A 31 Gun Salute to First Chief Minister of Sikkim as mark of highest honour by state police

Sikkim Armed Police in final Guard of honour to Kazi Sahib

The fire being lit on the funeral pyre while lamas recite the mantras

(All Picture credits: Himgiri Nepali)

FIRST CHIEF MINISTER OF SIKKIM CREMATED

Rumtek: Amidst chanting of hymns ,mantras and prayers, the mortal remains of Lhendup Dorji Kazi (LD Kazi) were consigned to flames with full state honours today at 11 a.m.on Friday in the solemn atmosphere at Rumtek here. The body was kept outside the monastery from 9.30 to 10.30 for general public to pay homage to the first Chief Minister of Sikkim. People in large number had gathered from different places at the monastery premises since early morning on Friday

The last rites of the first chief minister of Sikkim were performed this morning as per Buddhist rituals in the presence of Governor and Chief Minister of Sikkim. Leaders from across the political spectrum paid their tributes to Kazi Sahib.At 9A.M top officials and Kazi Sahab’s family members offered homage to the deceased by putting Khadas on his body.

A wreath on behalf of Madam President & Prime minster of India,GOC 17th Commandement were placed at the body of the late leader Kazi Sahib who passed away at the age of 103 in his residence Chakung House in Kalimpong.
Thousands of mourners from all over Sikkim have paid their respects to the Sikkim’s first Chief Minister late Kazi Lendhup Dorji Khangsarpa, who died from a sudden heart attack on July 28. Sikkimese filed past Kazi Sahib's body as it lay in state in the old Rumtek Monastery near the capital Gangtok.
Today the body of the "Father of democracy in Sikkim" was cremated as per his wishes in Rumtek with full state honours and highest respect marked by rare 36 guns salute by Sikkim Armed Police, reversing their guns upside down as a mark of respect to the leader. The Government offices and all the educational institution have remained closed today on the day of funeral in his honour.As well as all the markets and commercial establishments all over Sikkim are closed today as part of a state day of mourning to mark the funeral of first chief minister of Sikkim.
On Thursday, some of the thousands of people who came to pay their respects at Rumtek old Monastery appeared grief-stricken by the death of their leader. Many bowed and carried flowers, and some people wept openly as they approached his body in state. The traditional offering of white scarfs known locally as "khadaas" were offered as signs of respect and final homage to his body.The body of L.D.Kazi was brought to Sikkim on Wednesday and was kept it at Old Rumtek Monastery to enable people to pay last respects to the departed leader.
Flags in Sikkim are flying at half-mast for the funeral, shops and restaurants are closed and All celebrations have been cancelled.
The procession carrying the body, wrapped in the national tricolour, was joined by dignitaries and various political leaders including Secretary to Sikkim Governor V.Rama Rao, present Chief Minister of Sikkim Dr.Pawan Chamling, A galaxy of former chief ministers including B.B.Goorong,Nar Bahadur Bhandari,Sanchman Limboo, Cabinet Ministers,MLAs, Government officials.The sombre gathering comprised of a wide cross section of reverred Lamas, family members of Kazi Sahab.
The mourners, including men, women, young and old, were all present to catch last glimpse of their leader as tight security arrangements had been made all along the route leading to Rumtek.Monks were chanting mantras and prayers as Sky after many days cast away its blanket of clouds and sun shined brightly as body of late leader was being cremated showing good omen to the mourners. The head lama of the monastery lit the fire
Meanwhile, President and Prime Minister of India in their messages has condoled the death of Kazi Sahib.

The giant dreamer from Chakung : Kazi Lendhup Dorji Khangsarpa

If not for him, Sikkim wouldn't be a part of India

I landed in Kalimpong to take charge as the sub-divisional police officer. The frontier hill station had not yet lost its charm and ambience of international intrigue. The Chinese trade mission was deserted but the presence of the exiled Afghan princes, Queen Mother Kesang of Bhutan, the Williams sisters, retired Chief Justice S R Das and scores of other VIPs added a mystical charm to my policing duties.
However, the towering giant was Kazi Lendhup Dorji Khangsarpa of Chakung and his mysteriously charming and conspiring wife Kazini Eliza Maria Khangsarpa. The international rolling stone of the late forties and early fifties had finally nestled at Kalimpong, as the Kazi Lendhup's bewitching wife and political colleague.
Tackling other VIPs including the queen mother and Afghan princes etc required the craft of diplomatic protocol and smart salutes. Kazi Lendhup mostly conversed in Nepali and the Kazini incessantly chattered in English.
Fortunately my knowledge of Nepali was as perfect as my mother tongue -- Bengali. I was a patient listener and had inculcated the habit of not interrupting the incessant torpors of the Kazini.
We clicked as we sipped thumba (brewed millet beer) and an occasional whisky. The giant dreamer from Chakung talked about democracy and people-oriented rule by the Chogyal (The Chogyal were the monarchs of the former kingdom of Sikkim. Following a referendum in 1975 monarchy was abrogated and Sikkim became an Indian state)
The Kazi was genuinely concerned about the socio-economic and political miseries of his own tribe, the Lepchas and fellow Nepalis and Limbus (Tsongs). His criticism of the style of functioning of the king and his elite Bhutia nobles was strident.
Most evenings of my bachelor days were spent at the Kazi's home, which often ended over sumptuous English, Lepcha and Nepali dishes. I was too young and inexperienced in international politics, especially the politics played by Delhi in respect to Sikkim and the political thrusts of the USA, UK directed from their bases in Calcutta and Delhi.
However, I had no trouble in understanding Kazi's genuine pining for a democratic Sikkim with the Chogyal as the figurehead king. The Kazini, however, on some unguarded moments, betrayed her ambition to become the first lady of an autonomous Sikkim with her husband as the presiding ruler.
I married in February 1968. Our first non-official visit to Sikkim was organised by Kazi Lendhup and we were hosted at the petrol pump owned by his friend. He drove us around and advised us that we should formally call on the Chogyal after I was sanctioned a formal audience by his highness. Though enwrapped by the romance of having a beautiful wife by my side I did not miss the tones of hostility.
I left Kalimpong in June 1968. The Kazis bade us goodbye with khadas (silken scarves) and a small piece of blue emerald. We returned to Sikkim in May 1975, after Sikkim's merger with India. It did not take time to revive the old acquaintance and relive certain precious moments over thumba, Kazini's incessant chatter, and Kazi's sparse dialogues in Nepali.
The Kazi (who became Sikkim's first chief minister after the state became part of India in 1975) was surrounded by political colleagues, Indian bureaucrats loaned to the Sikkim administration, media persons and fortune seekers. Perhaps, I was the only person to whom he opened his wounded heart and mind.
After Sikkim's merger with India the political office was replaced by a governor. R&AW had taken a backseat. The Intelligence Bureau, which I headed in Sikkim, was embraced by him as his direct channel of communication to Delhi. The wise politician understood that with new realities around, I was the person who could reach his words faster to political and bureaucratic bosses in Delhi.We started reliving the camaraderie that we developed in Kalimpong.
The most astounding aspect of his character was his personal integrity. He might have had accepted money from different sources for political activities. But once in power he never misused state resources and had succeeded to a great extent in restraining his greedy ministers and thieving bureaucrats.
However, the Indian political economy had a quick impact on Sikkim. The huge money-flow into Sikkim's economy was first exploited by the imported bureaucrats and very fast emulated by the local politicians and government officials. Along with democracy, India also implanted on Sikkim the cult of money-making from all conceivable spheres of governmental activities.
Kazi Lendhup often lamented the new cult but he did not have the administrative acumen to rein in his errant ministers, MLAs and bureaucrats. He earnestly believed in the socio-economic upliftment of the backward Lepcha, Nepali and Tsong population. He was in favour of extending Sikkim citizenship rights to the Nepalis and bringing them to the mainstream of Indian democracy. He even dreamt of new power stations, agro-industries, educational institutions and deriving maximum benefits from the plan-budget and grants allocated by the Government of India.However, he faced the whirlwind of the Emergency too soon. In 1975 he was pressured by the Congress, it is alleged, especially by Sanjay Gandhi, to merge his Sikkim National Congress with the Indian National Congress. The Kazi was hesitant to abandon his 'Sikkim colours' but was forced by the governor and other bureaucrats. The same personages again forced him to merge his Congress with the Janata Party.
On both occasions I had advised him and the Kazini that they should maintain the 'Sikkim Colours' to add 'local nationalist fervour' to the new democratic system and to overcome the stigma of 'desh bechoa' (seller of the nation). The Kazi and Kazini were more than willing but they were steamrolled by the governor, his bureaucrats and Delhi.
Overnight Kazi Lendhup lost his political hold and charisma. After Indira Gandhi's return to power in 1980 he had to wait for days and weeks to have a darshan of the PM. He was discarded as a soiled political-napkin.
In their days of political exile I found him a totally disillusioned person. Instead of receiving the topmost national honour, he was forced to wait before the doors of puny politicians of the Congress party. At heart he was a Congressman.
He could have merged his SNC after about ten years of Sikkim's merger with India. By merging Sikkim with India Kazi Lendhup Dorji Khansarpa of Chakung brought new prosperity to the people of Sikkim, restored their rights and gave India a jewel in the crown studded with the silvery Kanchenjunga.
Personally he and Kazini Eliza Maria lost everything -- perhaps not really everything -- because the people of Sikkim still remember him with fondness. The illustrious Kazi expired on July 29, 2007. He did not live for personal gains; he lived for the people of Sikkim and India. However, India is yet to demonstrate that it cares for a giant who fought single-handedly against an archaic monarchy and helped India extend and secure its borders against China.
I understand his last rites will be performed at the Rumtek monastery on August 3. I fervently hope the Government of India will be magnanimous to honour this giant from Chakung in a befitting manner, overcoming political pettiness.

(Maloy Krishna Dhar is a former joint director of the Intelligence Bureau.)

THE MONK WHO BECAME FIRST LEADER OF SIKKIM

Kazi Lhendup Dorji was born in Pakyong, East Sikkim in the Khangsarpa family in the year 1904. He entered the Rumtek monastery at the age of 6 years. His uncle, Tshurfuk Lama Rabden Dorji was the then Head Lama of the Old Rumtek Monastery and Lhendup became his disciple. Sidkyong Namgyal, the then Maharaja of Sikkim, while visiting the Monastery took a great liking to the young monk Lhendup and took him to Gangtok, where he placed him in a Tibetan School.
At the age of 16 Kazi Lhendup returned to Rumtek monastery and underwent strict training of lamaism for two years.
Thereafter, on completion of his training he succeeded as the Head Lama of Rumtek Monastery and its estates on the retirement of Lama Ugen Tenzing. Kazi Lhendup remained as the Head Lama in Old Rumtek Monastery for 8 years, and then left the Monastery to work with his brother, the late Kazi Phag Tshering, who founded the Young Mens’ Buddhist Association in Darjeeling. The two brothers founded a large number of schools in West Sikkim and were instrumental in bringing about a number of social and other reforms.
In 1945, Kazi Lhendup Dorji started the Sikkim Praja Mandal and was elected its first President. In 1953, he became President of Sikkim State Congress and held that post till 1958. During his President-ship of the Sikkim State Congress, he led a delegation to Delhi in 1954 to call on the Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. The Sikkimese had been fighting for political and economic reforms and these were discussed by the delegation with Pandit Nehru, who was deeply impressed by their sincerity particularly that of Kazi Lhendup Dorji. The Prime Minister promised to give assistance for the progress and economic welfare of the Sikkimese people and assured Government of India's support towards political reform in Sikkim.
At that time, there were two main political parties namely Sikkim State Congress and the National Party and the political approaches of these parties were different and bordering on communal sympathies. Kazi Lhendup Dorji realising the futility of the communal approach in the political scene of Sikkim, and having dear to his heart the welfare of all the people, decided to form another party, called the Sikkim National Congress, in 1962.
Kazi Sahib’s main approach was to form a non-communal party which could give to the people of Sikkim peace, prosperity and progress. The formation of this party gave a new direction of the political life in Sikkim. Fighting on this platform, his party secured 8 seats out of 18 in the 3rd general elections of Sikkim. This was by no means a minor achievement in view of the earlier political influences which were diverting their energies towards a communal end. Kazi Lhendup Dorji formed the opposition in the Sikkim Council and tried to bring about a feeling of communal harmony.
In the 4th general elections held in 1970, Kazi Lhendup Dorji was appointed as an Executive Councillor and was allotted the portfolio of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry and Transport Authority. He, realising that Sikkim is an agricultural country, tried to bring about certain reforms to ameliorate the economic conditions of the agriculturists. He was however, relieved of his Executive Councillorship in 1972 and, thereafter, he and his Belgian born wife Elisa Maria left for a tour of Europe. On their return, he set about to fight the elections; which was held in 1973. The results of the elections of 1973 did not satisfy the Sikkim National Congress who felt that they had not been conducted in a fair manner. This led to an agitation in April 1973 which ultimately resulted in the merger of the Sikkim Janata Congress and the Sikkim National Congress. The United Party subsequently obtained an overwhelming majority in the general election by securing 31 out of 32 seats. This gave a massive mandate to Kazi Lhendup Dorji to form a new Government.
The Sikkim Congress delegates used to attend the annual sessions of the Indian National Congress. After joining the mainstream of national life in 1975, there was no sense for the Sikkim State Congress to remain outside the fold of Indian National Congress. Keeping in view the aspirations of the people and all round progress of Sikkim State, the decision to merge the Sikkim Congress with the Indian National Congress was taken at Chandigarh.
Following Sikkim’s merger with the Indian Union, the Sikkim Congress became an integral part of the Indian National Congress and member of the great Indian family. Kazi Lhendup Dorji Khangsarpa was sworn in as the first Chief Minister of Sikkim along with his Council of Ministers at Raj Bhavan, Gangtok on May 16, 1975.
The first Governor, BB Lal and the Chief Justice (Acting) of the High Court of Sikkim Justice Rajender Sachchar were also sworn in during the same function, which was a historic day for Sikkim. Later in the afternoon at another function at the Raj Bhavan, the Governor administered oath to the newly elected Members of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly. May 16 thus became the State Day of Sikkim.
In order to bring in rapid socio-economic development in various sectors-of the newly born State, the Centre Government started pumping in massive funds in the Annual Plans of the State Government. During the Kazi Government, the Anti-Corruption branch was set up in Gangtok and the Frontier Railway Passenger Out Agency was also opened at the Sikkim Nationalised Transport Office here in Gangtok on September 1, 1975.
Chief Minister Kazi Lhendup Dorjee also laid the foundation stone of the Temi Tea Factory in South Sikkim on December 21, 1975 and the Governor. During the same year, the Gangtok Water Treatment Plant at Selep was also opened.
The Gangtok-Chungthang Bus Service, Divisional Telegraph Office at Gangtok, Industrial Training Institute at Rangpo, Tashiling Secretariat and Kendriya Vidyalaya at Deorali were all inaugurated during the tenure of Kazi Sahib. The bridge at Sirwani near Singtam in East Sikkim, named after LD Kazi was also inaugurated during this time.
The Kazi government played host to a number of VVIPs visiting Sikkim. The most prominent among them was the visit of the Mother Teresa, on February 17, 1976. The Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi also paid a visit to Sikkim on November 11, 1975.
Kazi Lhendup Dorji was a venerable and respected leader of the Sikkimese people and had given the best part his life to the service of the people. Selfless and unassuming as he was, he was a man of few words and believed in working silently.
The Sikkim Government had provided him with a lifelong pension of Rs.10,000 per month, one vehicle and a medical attendant for him.
Kazi Sahib was also conferred with the Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award the country in 2004. The State Government conferred him with the Sikkim Ratna, the highest civilian State award for outstanding service to the people of Sikkim at the 57th
Independence Day celebrations the same year. This was the first time this award was being conferred by the State Government.
The Sikkim Ratna citation to Kazi Sahib reads: “In recognition of his exemplary contribution to the State of Sikkim, the State Government hereby confers on Padma Vibhushan Shri Kazi Lhendup Dorjee Khangsharpa, the decoration of Sikkim Ratna on the occasion of Independence Day, 2004.”
The citation further mentions that “with a clear concept of establishing a democratic set up and rule of law in Sikkim, LD Kazi formed the Sikkim National Congress and continued his political struggle for the emancipation of the Sikkimese from their feudal masters. He was ultimately successful in bringing about democracy in the state of Sikkim and on the basis of one-man-one-vote, became the first chief minister of Sikkim.”

KAZI SAHIB'S FINAL JOURNEY

MORTAL REMAINS OF FORMER CM KEPT AT RUMTEK MONASTERY; FUNERAL ON AUG 3

Gangtok: The mortal remains of Sikkim’s first Chief Minister, Kazi Lhendup Dorjee Khangsarpa was brought to the Rumtek Monastery today.
The final journey of Kazi Sahib began this morning from Chakung House in Kalimpong, his home for the last three decades or so. A large number of people, including officials from the Sikkim Government and members of Kazi Sahib’s extended family escorted his mortal remains as it made its way from Kalimpong to Rumtek.
People stopped the motorcade at various places along the Kalimpong-Rumtek route to pay their last respect to the departed statesman.
People from South and West Districts paid their homage at Melli where thousands of morners offered khadas to the mortal remains of late Kazi Sahib.
A huge congregation of people with khadas in their hands had gathered at Rangpo to pay their last respects to the first Chief Minister of Sikkim. The elderly, who fondly remembered Kazi Sahib, waited with moist eyes tears, at Rangpo check post. Prayers were being offered to the departed soul with the elderly chanting “Maneys” and spinning prayers wheels.
The procession was received by the Advisor to the Chief Minister BB Gooroong, Minister for Agriculture Somnath Poudyal, Director General of Police C Ravindran, officials, Police personals and the locals at Rangpo Tourist Centre, where they offered khadas to the casket bearing the mortal remains of late Kazi Sahib.
SP East, S Tuli, SDPO Rangpo, Sonam Bhutia, members from business community, members of civil defence, Lion Club of Rangpo, Youth, Panchayat members were also present. The casket was wrapped in the national flag. The Rangpo Bazaar was closed for a half day to pay homage to the departed leader.
The Sikkim Police offered a gun salute in honour of Kazi Sahib at the Rangpo Tourist Centre premises. The casket was kept here for almost an hour for the people to pay their respects.
In Ranipool, Lok Sabha MP, Nakul Das Rai, received the motorcade.
Around 3.30 pm in the afternoon, the motorcade arrived at the old Rumtek Monastery, where the casket will be kept for a day. The funeral, with full State honours, will be held on Friday, August 3. The State Government has declared a State holiday on August 3. The Chief Minister along with his Cabinet colleagues and members of Sikkim Legislative Assembly will attend the funeral ceremonies.

SIKKIM MOURNS ITS FIRST CHIEF MINISTER

The body of Kazi Lhendup Dorjee arrives for keeping in state in Sikkim

Rangpo & Rumtek,August1: Sikkimese and other dignitaries today on August1 paid their respect to the Shri Kazi Lhendup Dorjee Khangserpa, the first Chief Minister of Sikkim, who passed away on Monday of cardiac failure at his residence Chakung House in Kalimpong .

The childless widower Kazi Sahib was 103 years old and is known as Man who ushered in democracy in Sikkim.

The body of Kazi Lhendup Dorjee was brought out of his residential precincts in Chakung House in Kalimpong town to Sikkim in the early afternoon by K.T.Gyltsen who as envoy of Sikkim Chief minister Dr.Pawan Chamling went to Kalimpong to receive it.The body of Kazi Sahib is to lie in state at Old Rumtek Monastery for assembled dignitaries and officers and staff of the Government of Sikkim as well as general public of Sikkim to pay their homage.

Funeral arrangements is made by Government of Sikkim to give a full state honours with 21 gun salute on Friday.

Today at Rangpo Sikkim Police led by its Senior Officers provided an escort and guard of honour while bringing in the casket containing the body in territory of Sikkim .The body was draped in the Tricolour and Cabinet Minister Somnath Podyal along with advisor of Chief Minister B.B.Gooroong were present in Rangpo to accompany the Kazi Sahib in his last earthly journey to Rumtek. Sikkim M.P. NukulRai joined the caravan at Ranipool .

Members of the state government stood huddled together in a block as local dignitaries filed past the body, which is to be taken to the historical old Rumtek Gompa in the Rumtek for public display and religious ceremonies before being finally cremated on August 3,2007

Traders at Rangpo downed shutters for an hour to pay their respects to the leader, who played an instrumental role in Sikkim’s merger with India.

PRESIDENT CONDOLES THE PASSING AWAY OF SHRI KAZI LHENDUP DORJEE

The President Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil has condoled the death of Shri Kazi Lhendup Dorjee. In a condolence message, the President said, “Shri Kazi Lhendup Dorjee was a distinguished statesman whose work as the first Chief Minister of Sikkim will always be remembered. In his passing away, the country has lost a personality who worked for the upliftment of the people of Sikkim especially the weak and the downtrodden. He had contributed to the development of Sikkim in a big way”.

Sikkim honours memory of Kazi Sahib by State Awards

GANGTOK: Kazi Lhendup Dorji Khang Serpa, the first Chief Minister of Sikkim, who died on Monday, played a key role in the State’s merger with the Indian Union. He ushered in a democratic movement there when it was still ruled by a monarch.
He was honoured by the Centre with the Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award, for his outstanding political career.

A Sikkim cabinet meeting convened yesterday in Gangtok to pay respects to departed soul of Sikkim's first Chief Minister L.D.Kazi ,deliberated over the institution of State Award to immortalise the memory of the father of democracy in Sikkim Kazi Lhendup Dorji Khangsarpa and decided that a committee to be set up to decide upon the format and name of the proposed award.

Although the details of awards has not been finalised yet,sources informs that it is likely that the Award will be started from Independence Day this year itself .From next year onwards ,award ceremony will be shifted to State Day on May 16 every year.

The Sikkim cabinet meet also decided that a life-size bronze statue of late leader be crafted and installed at ChintanBhawan on May 16,2008. Apart from this , the Cabinet also decided to commission a book recording L.D.Kazi'slife and achievements.

The State Government under leadership of Dr.Pawan Chamling has also decided to accord LD Kazi's funeral with full state honours,including a 21 gun salute. In fact, it is informed that Chief Minister has directed that the entire expense of the funeral and other associated events leading up to it borne by the State exchequer.

On August 2, Wednesday when the body of the Kazi Sahib is scheduled to be brought to the Old Rumtek Monastery from Kalimpong ,State Government representatives will be at Rangpo to receive it .The procession will be escorted to Rangpo with full guard of honours provided by the West Bengal Government,it is learnt.

On August 3,the body will be placed for public darshan for the people to pay their homage and last respect to beloved leader .

On August4,Friday -the day of the funeral ,all state government officials have been asked to be present at Rumtek.

SIKKIM DEMOCRATIC FRONT PAYS HOMAGE TO KAZI SAHIB

Gangtok: The Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party in a meeting held today at SDF Bhawan at bye-pass,Gangtok has paid rich tributes to veteran leader LENDUP DORJEE KHANGSHARPA , Popularly known as L. D. Kazi who passed away after a brief illness on July 28 at his Kalimpong residence. A meeting of the of the party, presided over by party president Dr. Pawan Chamling, and attended by all the top leaders and party supporters paid rich tributes and homage to the first Chief Minister of Sikkim and one of the founders of democracy in the state, Kazi Lhendup Dorjee Khangsharpa . Dr.Chamling described Kazi Sahib as a leading light in the field of political movement of Sikkim, who had also actively participated in the welfare of Sikkim. The rich tributes were also paid by all SDF leaders and supporters by offering Khadas to the photograph of Kazi Sahib with whom Party president Dr.Chamling was in close and inspiring relationship .

The tribute meeting was also addressed by Shri B.B.Gooroong,DD Bhutia and many other SDF leaders .
Those present in the meeting observed a two-minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed soul.

A PICTORIAL TRIBUTE : Sikkim's first Chief Minister Kazi Lhendup Dorjee

KAZI LHENDUP DORJEE KHANGSARPA

1904-2007

Late L.D. Kazi when he was young
L.D. Kazi with his second wife Aliza Mariya of Belgium Sikkim's first Chief Minister Kazi Lhendup Dorjee
Residence of L.D. Kazi at Kalimpong
Sikkim Chief Minister Dr.Chamling arriving to Kazi Sahib's residence at Kalimpong
The body of Kazi Sahib kept on the bed for first open darshan to Sikkim Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling
Sikkim Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling paying his last respect to Kazi Sahib

Shri R.C.Podyaal ,another Sikkim leader paying his last respect


Chief Minister Dr.Chamling & B.B.Gooroong,his political advisor

discussing with the bereaved family of Kazi Lhendup at Kalimpong.

(Picture Credits: Himgiri Nepali)