Mukesh sharma

Kalimpong, January 06:

The Indigenous Lepcha Youth Association (ILYA) today announced that it will be working towards the development of the underdeveloped areas through the Lepcha Development Council (LDC). The President of the ILYA, Dorjee T Lepcha who is in Kalimpong at present expressed his sadness over the issues faced by the people here. Dorjee was present at the function organized by the Vidha Kyom Sejum at Malbongtar remembering the last Lepcha King, Gaebu Achyok. The function conducted under the presidentship of Padmashree, Sonam Tshering Lepcha had Indigenous Lepcha Tribal Association (ILTA) President, Lyongsong Tamsang as the chief guest.

The ILYA President, highlighted that Lepcha’s has a totally different history. He stressed that everybody’s needs to be united in order to preserve this indigenous tribe. After the formation of LDC developments will occur in every remote areas, he declared.

The ILTA representatives also inspected the Lepcha school situated in the area. Sensing the need of the school to be developed, the ILTA President announced that ILTA will be granting Rs 10,000/- for the school’s maintenance. Books, notebooks and blackboards will also be given by the association. Keeping in mind the water scarcity problem in the area, Tamsang assured that necessary steps will soon be initiated.

The ILTA Secretary, PT Simick in his address highlighted the life history of the last Lepcha king. Likewise, the ILTA, Kalimpong Secretary, NT Lepcha appealed all the Lepchas to stay disciplined.

Earlier, the chief guest unfurled the Lepcha community’s flag. A Lepcha dance competition was also held. Upper Pemling, Nok Dara and East Kabi Samthar stood 1st, 2nd and 3rd, respectively.

The 2nd phase of the function had the presence of RB Tamang, Nimbong Gram Panchayat Assistant. He edified the gathering about the beneficial schemes delivered by the Gram Panchayat.

The 2nd half of the function also witnessed different sports competitions.