Balidan Diwas celebrates martyrdom of Shahid Durga Malla

GANGTOK, 25 Aug: The sacrifice and contributions of Major Durga Malla of the Indian National Army to the freedom struggle was remembered with the observance of Balidan Diwas by the Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh [BGP], Sikkim unit, here today.
The function was chaired by the BGP- Sikkim president, Dr Kamal Gurung, and former Secretary, CP Dewan, as the chief guest.
On the occasion, a senior journalist, Bijay Bantawa presented a talk on ‘Bharatiya Gorkha haru ko Swadinta Sangram ma yogdan ra vartanam paripekcha’ [“Contribution of Indian Gorkhas to the freedom struggle and the present scenario”].
Addressing the function, the chief guest detailed the sacrifices of Sahid Durga Malla and stressed that his contribution and sacrifices should not be forgotten by Free India.
Mr Dewan mentioned that the BGP has been working well in the state and at the national level to save the identity of the Gorkha community and everyone should come forward in supporting the initiative of the BGP to strengthen it further.
He stressed that the BGP can bring the Gorkha community to a common platform to further work for its identity but there is need for contributions from every side and for the challenges be met together.
Likewise, Dr Gurung stated that many Gorkhas have made many sacrifices in the freedom struggle of the country but some martyrs remain ignored and unknown. He added that the BGP has been working hard to bring such persons and their sacrifices to the limelight. 
The state unit general secretary, S Pandey spoke on the significance of Balidan Diwas, while the state unit working president, Narayan Bhattarai also spoke on the life of Sahid Durga Malla.
The programme was also addressed by the west district committee president, SB Pradhan and publicity secretary, Pravin Khaling.