CM inaugurates Gyen Tashi Palding Monastery’s new building at Yangyang

YANGYANG, 31 Aug: On the auspicious occasion of Pang Lhabsol, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today inaugurated the new building of the Gyen Tashi Palding Monastery here at Yangyang, South Sikkim. Among the older monasteries of Sikkim, Gyen Tashi Palding Monastery is believed to have been established in the year 1787 as a Lhakhang and as a full-fledged monastery in 1841. The vagaries of time had not been kind on the physical condition of the monastery necessitating a new building.
Addressing the programme, the Chief Minister conveyed Pang Lhabsol greetings to all, stressing that the festival of Pang Lhabsol was not only the festival of the Buddhists, but of all Sikkimese since it celebrates the State’s diversity and unity.
He said that the State Government has consistently displayed respect for all religions and has ensured an environment of peace and security for all communities to prosper here.
“Religion should bind the people in brotherhood rather than divide. The present status of Sikkim is good so every individual should open their minds and make our society the best”, he added.
The CM also commented today that there were organisations seeking to mislead people in the name of religion, and advised such groups to instead focus on uniting the people and inspiring the youth to deliver Sikkim to an even more prosperous future.
Addressing the youth and the students, the CM rued that the younger generation takes every opportunity for granted and stressed that they should change their mindsets and develop a competitive attitude which is needed in the developmental process.
Further mentioning that the people’s government is trying its best to provide better education in the state he said, “We must encourage students in rural areas and belonging to underprivileged families towards education which will be their strongest weapon to achieve success in life”. Till they get better education they will always be suppressed and misled, he added.
He informed the people of Yangyang that with the Sky Walk project at Bhaley Dhunga and a Central University at Yangyang scheduled to complete over the next three years, the entire area will gain exposure at the national and international level. With these long-term developmental schemes and projects, the people of Yangyang must think of the changes brought by the government, said the CM.
Although the government has provided opportunities with these projects for the people of Yangyang, the CM stressed on the lack of human resource from Yangyang for these projects and urged the youth to come forward in this context.
Earlier, member of the Gyen Tashi Palding Gumpa Committee, Bhaichung Tsh. Tshechutharpa placed the report of the establishment and renovation of the monastery where he informed that Gyen Tashi Palding Gumpa is one of the oldest monasteries of Sikkim which was established in 1775. In view of the dilapidating condition of the monastery the state government had sanctioned Rs 42 lakh for the new construction with additional Rs 47.28 lakh as compensation for land by Sikkim University for the construction of this monastery, he informed.
During the programme, the Committee also felicitated the Chief Minister for his initiatives in the development of Yangyang. Earlier, the CM also visited the old monastery where he provided financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh to the Gumpa Committee. After inaugurating the monastery, the CM also offered prayers and attended the rituals performed by the Rinpoche and monks.
Also during the function, the contractor TT Bhutia who constructed the new monastery was presented a letter of appreciation by the Chief Minister. The programme was also attended by the area MLA, RMDD Minister CB Karki, MLA Binod Rai, Tulshi Devi Rai, Sangha MLA, Phituk Tsh. Lama, Zilla Adhakshya, Panchayats and officers from various departments.