Gangtok, 16 July: The Governor of Sikkim Ganga Prasad in the presence of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), Speaker SLA L.B.Das and Former MP Mrs. D.K.Bhandari launched the book, ‘Atal Bhandari’ which is a collection of writings on the Former Chief Minister Late Nar Bahadur Bhandari
at Chintan Bhawan today.
The Governor Ganga Prasad highlighted several achievements of Late Bhandari during his three term as Chief Minister of Sikkim and he urged everyone to carry forward the legacy left behind by him in his quest to make Sikkim a vibrant state in the county.
The Chief Minister declared 5th October as a state holiday commemorating the birthday of the former Chief Minister Late Nar Bahadur Bhandari. He also announced that the book which was released today would also be brought by the state government and distributed to schools and colleges so that the legacy of the great man could live on.
The Chief Minister said that it was an irreplaceable loss specially for the cause of Nepali-speaking
He also talked about his long association with Late Nar Bahadur Bhandari and elucidated on how he was always a support, guide and guardian to theChief Minister through all these years. Stating that he played a big role in the change which took place in the state after 25 years, CM Golay thanked Late Bhandari for him immense contributions to Sikkim and the Sikkimese people and said that he will always be remembered throughout the history of Sikkim and sentiments of the Sikkimese people.
Mrs. Dil Kumari Bhandari started her address by chanting prayers andthanking all those who came to witness today remembering NarBahadur Bhandari in the auspicious day of Buddha Purnima. She said that Nar Bahadur Bhandari contributed much to unite linguistic and cultural diversity in making Nepali Language as one of the official language in the Indian Constitution.
She also highlighted about the various contributions of Late NarBahadur Bhandari in various sectors such as education, water, electricity etc and further added that he stood tall with pride to serve the Sikkimese people even till his last days. Mrs. D.K.Bhandari thanked the Governor, Chief Minister and the entire state government machinery for making the event such a successful one and thanked each one present.
54 invited eminent literary personalities who contributed in the book, ‘Atal Bhandari’ were also felicitated by the dignitaries on the dias during the occasion.
Earlier the programme started with lighting of lamps and offering of khadas to the picture of Late Nar Bahadur Bhandari by the ChiefGuest and Guest in Honour which was followed by presentation of
documentary on his life by Chunilal Ghimeray and group. An address was also given by the editor of the newly released book by Shri Arjun Pandey with evaluation and perspectives given by Assistance Prof. Deepak Tiwari.
Miss Remanti Rai also presented a song (Ganesh Bandana) with the welcome address being proposed by Miss Manisha Bhandari. The vote of thanks was proposed by General Secretary of N.B.Bhandari Memoir Release Committee Chunilal Ghimirey.
