SIKKIM OBSERVER Oct 4, 2012
Sikkim gives befitting farewell; Kuru to be taken to Lachen; son declared next Lachen Rinpoche
THOUSANDS ATTEND LACHEN RINPOCHE’S LAST JOURNEY TO
ENCHEY GOMPA
State Govt declares holiday
for devotees to pay last respects; CM, Speaker attend funeral
Gangtok, Oct 3: Sikkim last Wednesday (Sept 26) gave a
befitting farewell to Lachen Gomchen Rinpoche (63), the 4th
reincarnation of Gomchens (great hermit) of Lachen, who passed away in New
Delhi on September 18 after prolonged illness. Thousands of Sikkimese,
including lamas from various monasteries in the State, escorted the kudung, the mortal remains of the Late Rinpoche,
and trudged uphill for nearly two hours to reach the final destination at Enchey
Monastery, perched on a hilltop above Gangtok.
Lamas of Rinpoche’s own Lachen
Gompa led by Ngodor Lachenpa and Cho Thisung Lama and a sizable number of
Lachenpas led by its chief representative Lachen Pipon Chongtuk Lachenpa were
part of the grand and colourful funeral procession that began at the Late
Rinpoche’s residence here at Development Area at around 8 a.m.
The presence of lamas of
several monasteries in the State, including Pemayangtse, Phensong, Phodong,
Enchey, Ralong, Ringhem, Chorten Gompa and Tsuklakhang, in their ceremonial
attire with serbang during the
funeral added a spectacular site to Rinpoche’s last journey.
Chief Minister Pawan
Chamling, who shared his childhood with the Late Rinpoche at their birthplace
in Yangang, South Sikkim, was present during the start of the funeral. Sikkim
Legislative Assembly Speaker KT Gyaltsen, HRD Minister NK Pradhan, Rajya Sabha
MP Hishey Lachungpa, Gangtok MLA Dorjee Namgyal and fomer Lok Sabha MP Pahalman
Subba were among those who were there to give their last respects to the
departed soul.
To enable the people to pay
their last respects and also as a mark of honour for the departed soul the
State Government declared Wednesday a public holiday. Rinpoche was elected to
the lone Sangha constituency of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly in the historic
1979 Assembly polls and later made a Minister in the Nar Bahadur Bhandari
Cabinet.
Thousands of devotees and
well-wishers of the Late Rinpoche patiently stood on roadsides along the
procession route with khadas to bid
farewell and pay their last respects. Late Lachen Rinpoche’s colleague and
friend Yapo Sonam Yongda’s band of colourful traditional drummers dressed in
their customary clothing wearing ethnic hats and carrying prayer flags - some
in battle-like gear - made a conspicuous presence at the funeral procession.
 |
| Yapo Sonam Yongda (centre) beating the traditional drum during the funeral procession in Gangtok on Sept 26 |
The premises of Enchay Gompa
was much too small for the thousands of mourners and devotees to fully observe
the last funeral rites of the departed soul. The colourful canopy sheltering the
funeral pyre placed on a stupa-shaped structure meant for highly-regarded
spiritual beings added a spectacular touch to the funeral ceremony.
The appearance of a rainbow
and a vulture in the sky as the kudung
reached Enchay Gompa gladdened the hearts of devotees who eagerly looked for
auspicious signs on such occasions. After several weeks of bad weather and
incessant rain the sun shone brightly on the day of the funeral which lasted
the whole day.
Funeral rites were performed
at the Enchay Gompa compound under the chief supervision of Lachung Rinpoche,
who also headed the pujas at Lachen Rinpoche’s residence ever since the kudung arrived here on late Wednesday
(Sept 19) night.
Frantic efforts were made to
take the kudung to Lachen in a
chopper on Sunday but due to inclement weather this decision was put off. The
Tsuklakhang Trust offered the Tsuklakhang Monastery premises for the last
funeral rites, which was accepted by the mini-dzumsa (Lachen’s traditional assembly of the people), which met
here this week. However, this decision
was later turned down and the preferred choice was Enchey Monastery, one of the
premier Nyingma monasteries in the State, which has traditional and spiritual
links with Lachen Monastery.
Due to last week’s landslides
and flashfloods, which damaged roads linking Mangan with Chungthang, Lachen and
Lachung, most people of the region sadly could not attend the funeral. However,
they may take comfort in the fact that the kuru,
the ashes of the Late Rinpoche, will be taken to Lachen, perhaps early next
week for devotees to pay their last respects to the one who longed to go back
to Lachen days before his passing away.
The Late Rinpoche is survived
by his wife, a son and daughter. After the funeral on Wednesday it was
announced that the Late Rinpoche’s son Rigzing Pema Ongdak Dorjee (14), who is
undergoing religious studies at Taktse Nyingma Sheda in Gangtok, will succeed
his late father as the next Lachen Rinpoche.
Lachen Rinpoche was an outstanding spiritual master:
Sakya Trizin
Gangtok, Oct 3:
His Holiness the Sakya Trizin, Supreme Head of Sakya Order of Tibetan Buddhism,
said he was greatly saddened to know the demise of Lachen Rinpoche, whom he
referred to as “one of the outstanding masters of his generation.”
In his condolence message,
His Holiness said Lachen Rinpoche’s “devotion to the Dharma” and the Sikkimese
people were “unparalleled.”
While acknowledging that the
Late Rinpoche will be greatly missed by those who knew him personally, the
Sakya Trizin said his departure “will create a void that will be difficult to
fill.”
His Holiness, who lived for a
brief while in Lachen, North Sikkim, when he and his family members fled Tibet
following Chinese occupation of Tibet, said he was “profoundly grateful” to
Lachen Rinpoche for his “magnanimous hospitality” at Lachen Monastery during
that period.
His Holiness last visited Lachen in 1994.
Sikkim and Lachen have close historical and social association with the Sakya
dynasty of Tibet, which has lasted to this day since the 13th
century when the Sakya hierarch’s daughter married the Sikkimese ruler Cho Khye
Bumsa, the ancestor of the Namgyal Dynasty of Sikkim.
“I will always be grateful to Lachen Rinpoche”
Dear Family members
Dear Lachen Monastery Sangha
Dear people of Lachen and Sikkim,
It (is) with great sadness that I have learned of the passing of Lachen Gomchen Rinpoche. One of the outstanding masters of his generation, he will be keenly missed by anyone who ever came into contact with him. His devotion to the Dharma and to the Sikkimese community were unparalleled and its loss will create a void that will be difficult to fill.
Beyond the esteem that I hold for Lachen Rinpoche for his inestimable qualities, I will always be profoundly grateful to him for his magnanimous hospitality at Lachen Monastery at the time of our exile from Tibet.
I pray that his swift reincarnation may once again grace our world with wisdom and enlightened activity.
Sd/-
The Sakya Trizin 23rd September 2012
Altamas Kabir sworn in as Chief Justice of India
New Delhi, Oct 3: Justice Altamas Kabir has been sworn in as the 39th Chief Justice of
India (CJI) on Saturday, Sept 29. President Pranab Mukerjee administered the
oath of office of Justice Kabir at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
The oath taking ceremony was
attended by a host of dignitaries, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Justice Kabir, 64, has succeeded
Justice Sarosh Homi Kapadia. The new CJI's tenure will end on Jul 18, 2013. The
39th CJI was born on Jul 19, 1948 in Kolkata, West Bengal.
He did his MA and LLB from
the University of Calcutta. Justice Kabir was admitted to the bar in 1973 and
practiced civil and criminal law in Kolkata at the district court and the
Calcutta High Court, Kolkata. He became a judge in the same court on Aug 6,
1990.
He became the Acting Chief
Justice of the Jharkhand High Court on 3 Jan 2005, an elevation made permanent
on Mar 1, 2005. He was elevated to the Supreme Court of India as Justice on
Sept 9, 2005.
“Sikkim Bachao” is Golay’s new mantra
Gangtok, Oct 3:
Only a complete change of guard at the helm of office will usher in the
much-needed parivartan to save Sikkim
is the rebel leader and dissident ruling party PS Golay’s new political mantra.
During his recent meetings in
and around the capital and in the districts, Golay, a four-time legislator, who
represents the Upper Burtuk Assembly constituency, has been telling the people
that only a radical change in the State’s political and administrative set-up
can bring the much desired change that people are seeking but have been denied
by the ruling dispensation.
 |
| PS Golay |
“You can shoot me dead if I
betray you,” Golay said during a recent meeting in the district. “My main
mission is not to come to power but to save Sikkim for the future generations,”
Golay said.
Golay’s inner circle earlier
indicated that a new political party would be formed under his leadership after
the panchayat polls, which will be over by November 9, 2013. Elections to the
Sikkim Legislative Assembly are due in May 2014. Presently, all the 32 seats,
including the one held by Golay, belongs to the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front,
which has been in power since 1994.
Golay has defied Chief
Minister Pawan Chamling to expel him from the party but despite these threats
the ruling party has not initiated any action against him. It is expected that
a large section of disgruntled elements in the ruling party, particularly those
who were deprived of panchayat poll tickets, will join Golay’s new party.
The rebel leader has now
claimed that nearly a dozen ruling party ‘VIPs’ are with him and are in touch
with him.
Editorial
THIRD FRONT
India Deserves A Third
Alternative
After quitting the UPA
recently Mamata Banerjee has indicated her intention to form a third
alternative to the Congress and BJP. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s
reaction to Mamata’s proposal as being “too early” is unjustified. While
calling for an alternative front, Patnaik had earlier dubbed the Congress-led
UPA as "scam ridden and the BJP-led NDA as "communally tainted."
It certainly is not too late or too early to begin serious talks on the third
alternative if our leaders are serious about the long-term interest of the
country.
The CPM is justifiably wary
of third front leaders like Mulayam Singh Yadav, who in 2008 saved the
Congres-led UPA, after leaders of the third front withdrew support on the
India-US deal issue. Singh is still displaying his opportunistic tendencies
while giving the impression that he is interested in a third alternative.
Leaders of regional parties, including chief ministers, ought to now take
Mamata’s proposal seriously. In an age of coalition politics regional parties
can and must play a vital role in formation of a third front.
PA Sangma has already floated
his regional party recently and other regional parties should pitch in to form
a region political front as likely constituent of the proposed front. Political
stalwarts such as Mamata, Patnaik, Nitish Kumar, Jayalalitha, N. Chandrababu
Naidu must come together and start holding preliminary talks. Singh should review his earlier stand that a
third front should be formed after the next Lok Sabha elections in 2014 and not
before.
OBSERVER Archives
Kashiraj Pradhan: A multi-faceted
personality
The greatest contribution of the Taksaris of Sikkim
is the construction of a cart road from Teesta to Gangtok
By Rajen Upadhyay
Kashiraj Pradhan was born on 11th December 1905 at Pakyong in East
Sikkim. His father Kaluram Pradhan was an innovative and an audacious
individual and his mother Bhadralakshmi Pradhan was a religious and
well-mannered lady. The family of Lt. Kashiraj Pradhan was accountable for the
economic growth of Sikkim with their innovative ideas. His grandfather Lt.
Chandrabir Pradhan popularly known as Chandrabir Taksari or Chandrabir Maskey,
along with few other Newars had taken the initiative of issuing copper coins in
Sikkim.
Earlier, there was the influence of Tibetan coins
in Sikkim but, after the coming of the British in India Sikkim had the
circulation of East India Company coins. For the process of issuing own coins
of Sikkim they had taken their permission from the Sikkim Durbar and started
exploration of copper at Sadam, Chakhung, Motang (Pandam) and Pachey. For the
introduction of copper coins in Sikkim which was exclusively made by them, the
family of Lt. Chandrabir Pradhan is also known as Taksari (meaning a person who
mints coin).
Kashiraj Pradhan with his wife Lakshmi Devi Shrestha
The greatest contribution of the Taksaris of Sikkim
is the construction of a cart road from Teesta to Gangtok. They also played a
crucial role for setting up of markets in different parts of Sikkim. Today’s
Singtam, Rongli, Rangpo and Pakyong Bazars were established due to the
determined exertions made by the families of Lt. Kashiraj Pradhan.
In 1930,
Kashiraj accomplished his Graduation from the esteemed Calcutta University. He
was also the second graduate from the kingdom of Sikkim. The first person to
become a graduate was Hari Prasad Pradhan. After his studies, Kashiraj entered
into a teaching job at Sir Tashi Namgyal High School Gangtok where he served
till 1947. In 1949, he was elected as a Cabinet Secretary with this
appointment, Kashiraj entered into the politics of Sikkim.
In the first General Election of 1953, Kashiraj
Pradhan made an overwhelming victory and was elected as the Leader of
Parliament Board. He was also nominated as an Executive Councilor in the Sikkim
Durbar. Kashiraj had been given the charge of Education, Public Works, Excise
and Tourism in the Sikkim Durbar’s Executive Council of 1953. With his victory
in the Second General Election of 1959, he was appointed as Senior Executive
Councilor by the Sikkim Durbar.
The greatest contribution of Lt. Kashiraj Pradhan
to Sikkim is the introduction of journalism. In that period there was no
newspaper in the entire kingdom. To fill-up the inadequacy in the political
process of Sikkim the publication of a monthly Nepali journal ‘Kanchenjunga’
was started on 15th August 1957. The editor of this journal was Nahakul Pradhan
but, the entire important workout for the publication of 'Kanchenjunga' was
completed by Mr. Kashiraj Pradhan. It is to be noted here that 'Kanchenjunga'
was the first news based journal of Sikkim written in the language of the
majority i.e. Nepali. Before he commenced the publication of Kanchenjunga,
he gathered enormous experience as a reporter in Gorkha Sansar (A Nepali
journal published from Dehradun) and Hindustan Standard an English
Newspaper published from Calcutta. In this aspect Kashiraj can also be regarded
as the first journalist from Sikkim.
Chandrabir Pradhan, grandfather of Kashiraj and the first person to mint coins in Sikkim
In an issue of 1st March 1964 Kanchenjunga
has reported about an amazing story of V. C. Ganju Lama. Published on the topic
of Ganju Goli (Bullet of Ganju) the report states thus:-
“Subedar Ganju Lama (VC) of 11 GR has made a
surprise in the world of medical science when he has taken out a bullet from
his right thigh after 20 years…..The bullet was perforate in 1944 when he was fighting in Burma in the
Second World War. ..”
For his
involvement in the field of journalism and his dedication for the development
of the kingdom of Sikkim, Palden Thondup Namgyal, the last Chogyal of
independent Sikkim has awarded him the highest Civilian Award of the Kingdom
“Pema Dorjee” on 4th April 1972. In recognition of his contribution
especially in the field of Nepali Literature and journalism in Sikkim, the
Sikkim Sahitya Parishad, an eminent literary organization of Sikkim, has
awarded Kashiraj Pradhan with the prestigious Bhanu Puraskaron 13th July 1985.(Sikkim-historyhunter
blog)
Subba replaces Tamang as Sikkim University VC
 |
| Tanka Bahadur Subba |
Gangtok, Oct 3:
Prof Tanka Bahadur Subba of North East Hill University (NEHU) has been
appointed the new Vice Chancellor of Sikkim University.
Before his new appointment, Prof
Subba was the head of the Department of Anthropology at NEHU, Shillong. He is
expected to take over the Sikkim University any day, according to the outgoing
VC, Prof Mahendra P Lama.
Presenting the achievement
highlights of the university in the 11th Five Year Plan [2007-2012], here last week,
Lama, while stressing that the university aims at building a national institution
of excellence with a broad global orientation and strong local ethos and
content, added that the University was trying to bring in the best practices of
academic programmes, teaching methods and curriculum design both from within
and outside India.
He added that the university
has a transparent admission system with admission centres at 35 places in India
and 5 in neighbouring countries and added that correspondence was underway for
opening admission centres in China and other South East Asian countries.
Speaking at the SU function,
Lama said he regretted that the university had to function from 19 buildings
near Gangtok as land acquisition problems of the university in Yangang, South
Sikkim. He said about Rs 2 crore per annum is spent for rent and maintenance to
run the varsity.
“The University has already
set a Board of Campus Development at Yangang [BCDY] with experts drawn from
both within and outside Sikkim and representing various professional
backgrounds and a consortium of architects, building designers, and land
mapping experts from both within and outside country is being constituted to
conduct the entire planning and construction activities at Yangang,” he added.
Panchayat polls on Nov 3, poll process to be over by
Nov 9
Gangtok, Oct 3:
The ensuing panchayat polls in the State are likely to be completed on November 9, 2012.
The date of the polls is
fixed for November 3, according to the State Election Commission notification.
The Commission on Sept 24
issued a notification for holding the fourth general election for Gram
Panchayats and Zilla Panchayats in the State.
As per the notification, the
last date for filing of nomination is October 1. Scrutiny of the papers will
take place on October 3 and the last date for withdrawal of candidates is fixed
for October 5.
The model code of conduct,
which has been in force since Sept 24, will be applicable till the poll process
is over on November 9. This is mainly to ensure free and fair conduct of polls.
The Commission has urged everyone to peacefully participate in the democratic
process.
Denzong Tsogpa grateful to Golay for opposing Tashiding
hydel project
Gangtok, Oct 3:
The support given to anti-hydel power projects in West Sikkim by dissident
ruling party legislator PS Golay has been highly appreciated by those who are
determined to preserve Sikkim’s ancient religious heritage.
The Denjong Chyarig Tsogpa
has in a press statement said “we appreciate and acknowledge” the stand taken
by Golay to oppose the Tashiding hydel power project over the sacred Rathongchu
River in West Sikkim.
Tsogpa President Sonam Dadul
Denzongpa said Golay had condemned the project during his meeting in Darap in
West District last week.
“The entire Buddhist
fraternity in general and the BLs (Bhutia-Lepchas) in particular are thankful”
to Golay and are hopeful that he would do whatever he can to “ensure the
sacredness of our rich religious heritage,” the release said.
Lachen Rinpoche’s last wish: Guru Rinpoche statue at
Gurudongmar Lake
ON MY OWN
Jigme N Kazi
Gangtok, Sept 28: Before he passed away in New Delhi early September 18 morning last
week, Lachen Rinpoche told one of his close confidants that he wanted us to
build a statue of Guru Rinpoche at the sacred Gurudongmar Lake in Lachen, North
Sikkim.
His another wish, according
to the close confidant, was to complete the renovation of Lachen nunnery
(Nguney Lakhang) with the help of an NGO. The nunnery, one of the biggest in
Sikkim, was once occupied by a learned Dzogchen lama during the time when
Lachen Rinpoche’s predecessor, the 3rd Lachen Gomchen Rinpoche, was
all-in-all as head of Lachen Gompa.
Lachen Rinpoche, who was
ailing in New Delhi for some time, desperately wanted to go back to Lachen but
somehow this was not made possible. He died a few days after he realized that
his trip to Lachen was only wishful thinking of a dying man.
The spontaneous manner in
which the people in Sikkim, particularly the Buddhist community among the Bhutia-Lepcha
tribals, mourned his death is understandable. Lachen Rinpoche, despite his
involvement in the political affairs of Sikkim in the 1970s, when India,
Sikkim’s protectorate, was all set to take over the former Buddhist Kingdom,
was still a well-respected and highly-placed religious leader in Sikkim till
the very end.
Significantly, Lachen Gomchen
Rinpoche is perhaps one of the few rinpoches that we have in Sikkim who is a
bonafide Sikkimese hailing from the Gensapa clan and whose lineage is rooted in
Sikkim’s history that goes back to the former kingdom’s birth as a Buddhist
country in the Himalaya. He is believed to be the 4th reincarnation
of one of the chief disciples of Sikkim’s Patron Saint Lhatsun Namkha Jigme, who
along with two other Nyingma lamas, crowned the first Chogyal (king) of Sikkim,
Phuntsog Namgyal, at Yuksam, West
Sikkim, in 1642.
When an overzealous Indian Army officer
in-charge of the army in Lachen in 1997-98 mischievously tried to convert the
holy Buddhist pilgrimage centre of Gurudongmar Lake (17,100 ft) into a Sikh
religious spot, the Buddhist community in the State, particularly the
Lachenpas, including the lamas, rose up in opposition and forced the State
Government to ensure that the area is restored to its pristine glory. A section
of the Sikhs claim that Gurudongmar Lake is a holy place for the Sikhs as it
was blessed by their religious leader Guru Nanak, who founded Sikhism in the 16th
century.
Unfortunately, efforts to
restore the holy lake premises – which still has a Sikh Gurudwara – to its
natural setting was left unfinished and there is now a concerted move – backed
by some highly-placed politicians in Sikkim – to make the area a Sikh
pilgrimage centre.
 |
| Gurudongmar Lake in Lachen, North Sikkim |
The Late Lachen Rinpoche’s
last wish regarding Gurudongmar must be viewed from the historical perspective
in relation to the current controversy. Guru Rinpoche, who visited Sikkim in the 8th
century and established Buddhism in Tibet, is said to have visited Lachen and
blessed the Gurudongmar Lake in his wrathful form as Guru Drakmar, who is the
main protector of Lachen monastery.
Let me remind you again that
if there are forces which seek to
destroy our cultural heritage and religious centres with the objective of
erasing us from the face of the earth we must gird up our loins and brace
ourselves and march forward together to meet the challenges that lie ahead.
I feel blessed to have a
unique and special association with Lachen Rinpoche and his family. We both
have lived some part of our life in Yangang – the birthplace of Lachen Rinpoche
in South Sikkim and also the place where my late father and many members of our
family grew up - , Lachen – where Rinpoche lived as head of Lachen Gompa and my
birthplace, and Gangtok – where both of
us finally settled.
I spent a part of my
childhood at Thangu (Lachen) monastery with my late grandma, a nun, where
Lachen Rinpoche presided over many religious functions. He was also a regular
figure during our family’s annual chodrok
puja in Lachen. His son, who is now nearly 15 years, was born on the day
when Lachen Rinpoche was performing the 49th day Shegu ceremony of
my late father Rinzing Namgyal Kazi (commonly known as Lachen Yapla) at my
house in Gangtok in July 1998.
The fact that it was mainly
our family members who escorted Lachen Rinpoche to Lachen from Yangang, when he
was discovered to be the 4th reincarnation of Lachen Gomchen (great
hermit) Rinpoche at an early age, to take charge of Lachen Monastery during the
time when, I believe, my grandfather Cho Ledon was the Lachen Pipon, is
something to be proud of and cherished.
 |
| Lachen Rinpoche in front of my house in Lachen, 1998 |
I deeply regret not being
able to meet Lachen Rinpoche occasionally after my father’s death and
particularly when he was ailing. In one of my last occasions when I did meet
him at his residence in Gangtok, he said, “I have now stopped seeing TV and
even reading newspapers. I only read your Sikkim
Observer which you send me. I’m now concentrating in my religious studies
and activities.”
Over the years I have quietly
observed, and with much appreciation, how Rinpoche gradually mellowed with the
passing of time. With his immense knowledge of Buddhism, experience in the
religious affairs of Sikkim, coupled with his deep spiritual connection to
Sikkim’s history and religious heritage, and also being a deeply devout and
powerful spiritual being I feel Rinpoche should have lived much longer.
But death is not the end of
life and particularly for an incarnate being like Lachen Rinpoche. We,
therefore, must take heart and rejoice in the fact that he will come again even
as we pray and long for his early return.
Exactly 12 hours after his passing away
Sikkim felt a slight tremor at around 6 p.m. on September 18, which shook us
all. It is not only me but a few others, too, who felt that this jolt, coming
exactly on the same day and hour after last year’s devastating September 18
quake, was a “warning” to us. The loss of lives and damages to properties in
the landslides and flash floods in the past few days which devastated North
Sikkim after Rinpoche’s passing away is a grim reminder that things are not as
well and stable as we would like to believe.
“These things are happening
as there is too much paap (sin) in
Sikkim,” said an observer. Perhaps we all ought to heed the warning before it
is too late.
