Chogyal: ‘Soul of Sikkim’

Palden Thondup Namgyal ‘one of the greatest sons of Sikkim’:Chamling

  On the occasion of the 36^th Funeral Day of Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal (1923-1982), (the historic funeral took place in Gangtok on February 19, 1982), let me re-publish what was published in my Sikkim Observer in 1999 on the Chogyal of Sikkim.

The Governor, Choudhary Randhir Singh, described the late Chogyal, Palden Thondup Namgyal, as a “noble soul”, a “moral giant” and a great friend of India. Laying the foundation stone of the statue of the 12^th Chogyal in Gangtok this week the Governor said he was proud to be associated with the works of the late Chogyal and the people of Sikkim.

The Governor said the Chogyal represented the cultural history of the State which dates back to several centuries. He said the installation of the statue at the complex of the Research Institute of Tibetology (SRIT) had not only raised the stature of the Institute but the choice of the location was apt as the former Chogyal was the “soul” behind the establishment of the research centre.

He said the Choygal, who many years ago invited Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to inaugurate the Institute, was a “noble soul who left his impact on Tibetology and preservation of the cultural history of Sikkim.” He added, “The Choygal in heaven must be happy that his soil is safe with Mother India.”

The Governor expressed his happiness over the decision of the Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling, and his Cabinet members to install a statue of the late Chogyal. “I’m proud to be associated with the installation of the statue. I congratulate you all from the innermost recesses of my heart on this decision.”

Paying rich tributes to the late Chogyal, the Chief Minister said the 12^th Chogyal was “one of the greatest sons of Sikkim” and it was apt for the people to acknowledge his greatness and remember him for all times to come. He said, “While we are proud citizens of this great country the 300 years of history of the State should not be forgotten.”

Chamling said on completion of 24 years as a part of the Indian Union it was important to “keep the history of Sikkim alive.” He said during the Chogyal’s rule the foundation of the State’s economic development was established. While urging the people to preserve the State’s rich cultural heritage, history and communal harmony, the Chief Minister said, “Whatever has happened and lost its gone. Now let us look forward and build a better future for Sikkim and the Sikkimese.”

The Chief Minister revealed that the idea of installing the statue of the Chogyal came when the State Government decided to scrap the Rathong Chu hydel project in west district two years back. “It is our duty to preserve our history,” Chamling said while adding that “these historical sites” will become a part of the State’s history which was ruled by the Namgyal dynasty for over 300 years. Yuksam, the first capital of the former kingdom, has now been turned into a heritage centre after the controversial hydel project was scrapped.

The Chief Minister said the Cabinet last week decided to change the name of the Sikkm Research Institute of Tibetology (SRIT) to Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. The Institute was previously known as Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. The Board of Directors of the SRIT had earlier decided to restore the name “Namgyal Institute of Tibetology”, which was changed in 1975-76. The premises of the statue will be declared as “Palden Thondup Memorial Park”.

The PWD Minister, D.D. Bhutia, said the late Chogyal was “the greatest son of Sikkim”. Bhutia said, “Our government will not only install the statue of the late Chogyal but will also improve and create the surroundings befitting the status of one of the greatest sons of Sikkim.”

“I feel that we should not forget our history, our rich cultural heritage and communal harmony,” Bhutia told the distinguished gathering of royal family members and former Chief Minister, L.D. Kazi, and ex-secretaries, Jigdal Densapa, Kunzang Sherab and L.B. Chettri.

                                       (Ref: Sikkim Observer, May 22-29, 1999)