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.
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.
