Darjeeling/ Kalimpong, Jan30:

The hills today observed the Martyrs’ Day. In Darjeeling the day was observed at Robertson Road. Organized by the Cultural and Information Affairs Department, Government of West Bengal, the day also commemorated the 65th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation.

The program was presided over by SDO, Kausik Kumar Nag while the Gorkha Dukh Niwarak Sammelan (GDNS) president, BB Gurung was the chief guest. Various religious leaders/ gurus performed prayer services on the occasion.

Litterateur, Om Narayan Gupta presented the life history of Mahatma Gandhi. Darjeeling Press Guild member cum journalist Sanjay Biswas also spoke about Gandhiji and said that he had a good relation with Darjeeling. He visited Darjeeling on June 4, 1925 and stayed at Stepaside for five days, said Biswas.

Departmental officer, Passang Bal and other guests were also present.

Similarly, Kalimpong observed the day at the Town Hall premises. Marking the observation a Sarva Dharma Puja was also conducted during which the religious leaders/ gurus of all religions were present. BR Chettri presided as the chief guest of the programme held under the presidentship of Deputy Magistrate, HC Roy.

TB Thakuri, R Moktan and other guests were also present. The programme at Kalimpong was also organized by the Cultural and Information Affairs Department, Government of West Bengal.