Baisakhi Utsav dazzles despite drizzle

ANAND OBEROI
GANGTOK: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling flagged off the two-day Baisakhi Utsav organised by the Nepali Sahitya Parishad here at MG Marg on Thursday. A heavy downpour, notwithstanding, the inaugural events cultural programme kept the spirits high in town this afternoon.
The numerous cultural dance and song performances by school children, representatives of social organisations and artists from outside the state are the highlights of this year’s celebrations.
The Chief Minister, who kept his inaugural address brief in light of the inclement weather, before leaving the podium today, commented, “The rains won’t allow me to speak long and I know everyone here wants to enjoy the gala cultural programme instead of listening to my speech, so let’s enjoy the programme together”.

Earlier, the Chief Minister declared that the Baisakhi celebrations should now be an annual event and also directed that the day be included in the calendar of tourism events of the state. While congratulating the organizers and the Baisakhi celebration committee for having pulled off a commendable job, he said, “The decision to organize this day on such a grand scale is truly praiseworthy and I assure the organizers that I will personally see to it that this day is remembered as a day which signifies prosperity and peace in Sikkim.”
The Chief Minister extended a personal welcome to the guest singers who have been invited over from Nepal - Prem Dhoj Pradhan, Ram Chandra Rizal and Junu Rizal - along with Daisy Baraily from Kalimpong and Thupden Bhutia from Darjeeling.
“I grew up listening to songs by Prem Dhoj Pradhan and it is a privilege for us that he will be performing here at the Sikkim Government College Auditorium during his stay here. The songs he sung have moved me many-a-times and I am delighted to be welcoming him to Sikkim today,” expressed the CM.
Adding that Baisakhi meant the start of a new year filled with happiness and prosperity, he urged all to mark the day as one to bring joy and peace to themselves and their families.
“One should realise that we start the New Year now with a challenge, a challenge to meet our goals and missions which will deliver a content and happy Sikkim in the future. Baisakhi should also be celebrated as a day when we gear-up to work towards a secure future”, explained the CM.
The programme was also attended by cabinet ministers, MLAs, chairpersons and councilors of the GMC. Biru Bangden was the master of ceremony.