The Sikkim Chief Minister – Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) in esteemed presence of His Eminence Tulku Sangay Yonten Gyatsho Rinpoche today inaugurated the three-days-long “2nd International Tamu (Gurung) Conference 2022” by raising the International Tamu(Gurung) Council flag at Dentam in Gyalshing District.

It have been organized by the International Tamu (Gurung) Council (ITC) in association with All India Gurung (Tamu) Buddhist Association and the entire Sikkim Gurung Association in a magnificent and grandeur way.

The event has the gracious presence of Hon’ble Deputy Speaker, Council of Ministers (GOS), Hon’ble MLAs, Hon’ble MP, Political Advisor to HCM, Political Secretary to HCM, Advisors, Chairmans & Chairpersons, DC(Gyalshing & Soreng), SP(Gyalshing), District Officials and people at large.

Besides, the representatives of various organizations of the Gurung community from around 16 countries including India, Bhutan, United Kingdom, Australia, Belgium, USA, Myanmar Hong Kong, Canada, Qatar and others were present at the conference today. However, the other organizations will attend the event from tomorrow.

It is to be mentioned here that the International Tamu (Gurung) Council had organized its first conference in Nepal. The council is an umbrella organization of the Gurung community which works towards the development and preservation of culture and traditions of the Gurung community globally.

During the conference, Golay released the book titled “Hamro Sanskar Hamro Sanskriti” written by Dr. Megi Lama which comprises the history of Gurung community, religion, cultures and traditions. Respectively, the book titled Nepali-Gurung-English vocabulary written by Meghraj Gurung and Padma Gurung was also released.

Addressing the congregation, the CM firstly congratulated the Sikkim Gurung Association for accepting the opportunity and converting it into reality with authenticity and sincerity.

He applauded the efforts of each organization and individual in making this event successful extravagantly in this backward region of the state; and mentioned that the maximum population of Gurung community resides in this region and the adjoining area which is the basic and important value for this conference.

CM Golay articulated the National slogan ‘Vocal for locals’ and said that the motive of organizing such events in this underprivileged region is to encourage our local people to flourish widely with their arts and skills and contribute themselves in the building of their community. He has approached the central government for Multi Model Corridor at Chewabhanjyang, Indo-Nepal border for easy accessibility for trade and connectivity; and informed that 55 crores had already been sanctioned and tendered for the development of Uttaray to Chewabhanjyang road.

He expressed his willingness to visit and inspect the road status and feasibility of the area with the Roads & Bridges Department and Army officials shortly.

The main motive of this ongoing conference will be fruitful only when each individual focuses on the knowledge imparted by the resource persons from all over the globe, he added. He also made a declaration of three days exemption from duties for government employees belonging to the Gurung community to attend the conference earnestly.

The Sikkim CM also made a suggestion especially to the research scholars to explore Dentam Maneybung and Rinchenpong areas which are the living history of Gurung culture; thereby noting that the government is providing financial support to regional language scholars for their research work. He also informed about the undergoing construction of Rodhi Ghar at Namthang in South and Sichey in East Sikkim.

In conclusion, CM announced the vision and concept of developing ‘Guru Padamasambhav Buddhist Studies and Meditation Centre’ at Mangmo village under Maneybung-Dentam constituency. The land required for the project has not been finalized, he added.

The cost of the construction will be 56 crores and 86 lakhs as per the estimation. He also made an assurance to lend every possible support from the government in development of the community in coming days.