CHAR DHAAM HAS BOOSTED FAITH AND TOURISM

Letter:
I was enthralled to read the write up by Shri. Bhim Dahal on Siddheshwar Chaar Dhaam published recently in your newspaper. The timing of the write up has been significant as hordes and hordes of tourists are flocking to Namchi in South Sikkim. The tourism business has grown by leaps and bounds. It has not been even six months now that the Chaar Dhaam was thrown open to visitors.
Now daily five thousand vehicles are plying to Namchi. If one vehicle carries ten passengers, then how many would be visiting Namchi daily is anybody’s guess. Guru Rinpoche’s statue at Namchi and Chaar Dhaam have brought windfall to our tourism business.
Usually, the political leadership are fossil-like without thinking and are based on narrow considerations. Leadership should be such which brings benefit to the people and the state. We are very fortunate to have the political leadership in Chamling whose vision has brought Sikkim in the world tourism map. Not only this, Sikkim is known the world over for an innovative tourism project emanating from religion.
This pilgrimage tourism has become a thriving industry in the state otherwise the state has little potential for revenue. This industry has also brought knowledge in the forefront as people now know the existence of Chaar Dhaams and Jyotirlings as well as the guardian deity in the form of Guru Padmasambhava. Whoever would visit these places would understand who Guru Rinpoche was and what he had done for the state. Similarly, the visitor would be adding to his knowledge the different facets of all the Dhaams symbolised in Chaar Dhaam in detail and 12 Jyotirlings. This would lead to increase in one’s knowledge. Religion has been fruitfully synergised with tourism and industry. Political leadership of the state has given this message to the world. It is now for the people of the state to hold these in their heart as such creations add to the glory and name of Sikkim. We can also boast of a mind that is doing hard work and thinking of ways and means to build great organisations and institutions for the society.  The people are proud of the assets that are being created in Sikkim. It is beyond doubt that these assets earn rich dividends. And it is for the people to partake the rewards.  
Jamuna Sharma, Sichey