Governor tours East and South Sikkim

NAMCHI, 22 Oct [IPR]: The second day of Governor Shriniwas Patil and first lady Rajani Devi Patil’s tour began today with a visit to the Guru Padmasambhava statue at Samdruptse where they offered prayers inside the main shrine with other guests after a cordial reception from the Samdruptse committee.
The Governor’s entourage moved towards the next sightseeing spot Tathagata Tsal Buddha Park Ravangla. Here they were greeted by the area MLA, Sonam Gyatso Lepcha, DD Bhutia [Former Minister/Patron of Tathagata Tsal committee], official dignitaries of Ravangla and members of Tathagata Tsal committee.
Thereafter they proceeded towards Karma Thekchenling Monastery in Manichokerling complex to offer their prayers. Later the first couple was given a brief tour of Buddha Park by Nim Pintso and Rinzing Bhutia [assistant directors Tathagatha Tsal committee] who informed them about the different aspects of Buddhism incorporated in the Tathagatha Tsal.
Prior to the tour, the first couple with the guests offered prayers in the main shrine where relics of Lord Buddha from 12 different countries are housed. They also took a tour of the congregation hall of Buddha Park where they were shown the photo gallery depicting the various construction phases and activities of Tathagata Tsal Buddha Park.
During the refreshment break in Buddha Park, speaking to the media person of IPR Department, Governor Patil expressed his admiration and happiness regarding his two-day sightseeing tour to the three different tourist spots in Namchi and Ravangla.
“I am happy to tour these places which are part of my state and found the locales around to be rich in vegetation and divinity which enhances the beauty of the place”, said Mr Patil. Talking about the places he visited, like Siddeshvara Dham, Samdrupste Guru Padmasambhava and Tathagata Tsal Buddha Park, he said that these are heritage sites of India and incredibly good tourist sites. Visitors from all walks of life will find peace and satisfaction after visiting these places which are harmoniously maintained, the Governor stated. He commended the efforts of the state government in creating these places. Before departing for Raj Bhavan, Gangtok he extended his good wishes to the people for Diwali and coming New Year.
Despite the cold windy weather on Mondat evening at Siddeshvara Dham, Mr and Mrs Patil performed the aarati ceremony in the main temple. They offered prayers in the four dhams before proceeding for the aarati service. The Governor who admired the aarati ceremony performed in the temple expressed his desire for the temple committee to carry out these special aaratis four to five times a day in the temple if possible instead of two.
DC South, Prabhaker Verma, SP South, Sonam Gyatso Bhutia and other line department officials accompanied the Governor during his tour.
On 20 October, the first couple visited Nathula, Baba Mandir and Tsomgo.  At Nathula, the Governor and the first lady were received by Major Vinod Sati and Major Gurtej Singh of the Indian Army. The Governor was briefed on the history of Nathula, and the present border situation, operations and activities of the Army at Nathula. He was also informed about the meeting of the Army Officers of India and China being conducted every year to enable better understanding, and cooperation between the two Armies. The Governor was also briefed on the trade activities being carried out at the Nathula border trading post, which has been flourishing in the last few years and benefitting people at the borders of both countries.
The Governor expressed his appreciation for the hard work and dedication of jawans and Officers of the Indian Army in guarding our frontiers. He also conveyed his greetings for the coming Diwali festival.
Later, the Governor and the first lady visited and offered prayers at Baba Mandir.
Governor Patil also met Brigadier SK Sengar, the Brigade Commander at the 63 Mountain Brigade Headquarters. The Brigade Commander thanked the Governor and the first lady for their visit and words of encouragement to boost the morale of the troops serving in the difficult terrain and weather conditions.