Birth anniversary of Padre Ganga Prasad Pradhan celebrated at Temi

VISHNU NEOPANEY
GANGTOK, 04 July: The 161st birth anniversary of Padre Ganga Prasad Pradhan was celebrated with a colourful function at Temi Bazaar under Temi Namphing constituency.  Area MLA BS Panth was present as the chief guest accompanied by litterateur Gahar Udashi  as the guest of honour who spoke at length on the life of Padre Ganga Prasad Pradhan.
Calling him the father of Nepali literature in India, Mr Udashi said that the Indian government as well as great Indian literary figures have recognized Padre Pradhan as the first Nepali literary figure. His talent and contributions are yet to be recognized which must be done soon, he added.
Area MLA Mr Panth, in his address lauded the role of New Generation Social society in spreading awareness among the masses in the area. “We feel that Padre Ganga Prasad’s Birth Anniversary should be celebrated properly in the days to come. I will place this demand to the government for proper recognition of Padre Pradhan”, said Mr Panth.
“Padre Pradhan’s contributions and work have been kept in darkness and needs to be popularized”, he added.
He also announced that Rs. 5,000 will be awarded to the student who secures the highest marks in Nepali in the constituency.
On the day, New Generation Social Society also felicitated persons who have contributed to the society and awarded certificates to them. It may be mentioned here that the society after the earthquake last year had organized a door-to-door survey to assess the damages. The organization also felicitated those who donated blood to the needy following the earthquake.
Block Development Officer Temi, SK Pradhan, BDO Sikip Milan Rai, Temi Namphing SDF party president Shiva Kumar Sharma, local panchayats, believers and others were present on the occasion. New Generation Social Society general Secretary Dass Tamang thanked the Chief Minister and his government on behalf of the Christian community of the area.