Gangtok :The Government of Sikkim celebrated " Tendong Lho Rumfaat " in a grand manner at auditorium of Sikkim Government College in Tadong,gangtok.
According to Lepcha legend and their folk song, Mt. Kanchejunga was like the bucktooth of a Must deer, when the bamboo was created, the ancient Lepchas witnessed the creation of the ancient times. The Lepcha people witnessed the days of all the ancient and legendary personalities who guided them in their difficult hours.
However, the dark period of Lepcha began and they suffered a major setback due to various circumstances in the past periods. As a result, their language and race were on the verge of extinction. However, by the blessing of Mount Kanchendzonga, democracy ushered in Sikkim and their language was developed and recognized in erstwhile Mayel Lyang.
There are nine significant festivals of Lepcha people, however, Tendong Lho Rumfaat and Namsoong : They worship Mt. Tendong on its role as protector of mankind during the great deluge and creation of Rongnyu and Rungnyit (River Teesta and Rangeet).
However, the dark period of Lepcha began and they suffered a major setback due to various circumstances in the past periods. As a result, their language and race were on the verge of extinction. However, by the blessing of Mount Kanchendzonga, democracy ushered in Sikkim and their language was developed and recognized in erstwhile Mayel Lyang.
There are nine significant festivals of Lepcha people, however, Tendong Lho Rumfaat and Namsoong : They worship Mt. Tendong on its role as protector of mankind during the great deluge and creation of Rongnyu and Rungnyit (River Teesta and Rangeet).
Today special pujas were conducted for Mt.Tendong, hereditary god & protector of Lepcha people by the Lepcha 'Bongthings' or priests. Members of Lepcha community were present in their traditional costumes and gathered in alarge number to mark the occassion.
Delivering the chief guest's address,Sikkim Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling called upon the Lepcha people of state not to be misguided by people from within and outside Sikkim who have vested interests in misleading and misinforming ever peace loving people of lepcha community of Sikkim. The Chief Minister announced, land acquisition would be hereafter done by the State government and not by the private investors. Moreover, in case any acquired land is unused, it will be returned to the owner after 35 years. He further informed that the power developers engaged in Dzongu will have to reserve hundred percent non-gazetted posts for Dzongu youths, according to a decision taken in a recent cabinet meeting. ‘The Lepchas, as the primitive tribe of Sikkim, have been given more than what they demanded,’ the Chief Minister said. He urged Lepchas to give emphasis on quality education for their advancement in this 21st century, adding, only education can empower a person. Before 14 years, Lepchas did not have much political right, the Chief Minister said quoting from Bengal District Gazatteer, 1997, written by N.S.S.O. Maley. The Lepcha youth should appreciate that now their condition is not so grim, nor they are downtrodden anymore. As for the privileges provided by the state government, the Chief Minister noted that seven MLAs’ and one Member of Parliament are now from the Lepcha community at the instance of the present government. It is the first government to have so many numbers of Lepcha representatives, he said. The State government has also documented Lepcha history and culture through a research work, Sikkim Study Series, he mentioned. He said Sikkimese Lepchas are being misled by some anti-social elements and opportunist forces.
He snubbed the ACT as an organisation who have double-standards and is being guided by selfish and political forces who wish to disturb the peaceful environment and developmental process of state and Dzongu region in particular.He questioned where was ACT when the process of clearing Panan Hydel Project being undertaken and its public hearing was being held in Dzongu if they had all the concerns which they are trying to put forward.
Dr.Chamling extended an Open Invitation to Dawa Lepcha & Tenzing Lepcha to call off their hunger strike and come to meet him for one to one dialogue where he have assured to sort out all the issues and doubts they might be having on these projects while respecting the rule of law.
Dr.Chamling described "ACT" as an organisation who is like Elephant as it possess different set of teeth of display and different for biting ;similarly ACT have different set of people at front and different set of behind the curtain controlling and guiding it with a vested agenda .
Hundreds of people thronged the College auditorium to get a glimpse of the celebration of Tendong Lho Rumfaat .A cultural programme on occassion comprising of traditional Lepcha dances was also held.
Chief Minister on occassion handed over Late Lha Tshering Kunchudyangmoo Memorial Award,2007 consisting of a cash prize of Rs.5000/- to Sonam Gyatso Lepcha of Passingdang Secondary School,Upper Dzongu.
The function was also addressed by Cabinet Minister Hissay Lachungpa , Dzongu MLA Sonam Tshering Lepcha and Others.