Wednesday, Aug 05, 2026 21:00 [IST]
Last Update: Tuesday, Aug 04, 2026 15:29 [IST]
Remembering Rinzing Tongden Lepcha
On this very same day, 3rd August 2025, I had written an article about Rong — my tribe, and about the immense pride my late father carried for his community — a pride that I, too, have inherited.
And today, 3rd August 2026, on the occasion of the Opening Ceremony of Tendong Lho Rum Faat – Knowledge Series V, it feels profoundly special — almost as though the universe chose this very day — for my late father to be felicitated for his service to his community.
It is, no doubt, a posthumous recognition, but the feeling it evokes is anything but distant. It is deeply personal and incredibly rewarding to see his vision, his advocacy, his thoughts, and his unwavering desire to uplift his community being recognised and honoured.
In the course of this recognition, I tried to delve deeper into the subject, to know more about the man I had known as my father. I had the privilege of exploring archival records relating to the early Lepcha Association, preserved in the repository of the British Library. These historical records offered a fascinating glimpse into the aspirations, concerns and struggles of the Lepcha community of that period.
What struck me most was the clarity of the issues my father stood for — Justice, with an emphasis on equal treatment for the Rong community; Education, advocating education for all and, importantly, quality education; and Language, with a deep commitment to preserving our mother tongue and cultural identity.
The archival material also reinforced the understanding held within our family about the emergence of Denzong Rong Serjum, an apolitical initiative associated with efforts to safeguard the interests of the Rong community and the traditional Bhutia-Lepcha political parity that was integral to Sikkim’s social and political fabric. My father was among its founding members.
These early efforts eventually found a broader institutional expression through Renjyong Mutanchi Rong Tarjum (RMRT), which emerged in 1982 as an apex state-level organisation representing the Lepcha community.
For me, discovering these records was far more than simply looking into history. It felt like discovering another chapter of my father’s life — one that reaffirmed that his commitment to justice, education, language and the preservation of our identity was not incidental, but deeply woven into his public life and his vision for his community.
To have him acknowledged through a Knowledge Series feels especially apt, because that is what RINZING TONGDEN LEPCHA stood for throughout his life — to preserve, protect and allow the rich traditions and culture of the Lepcha community to flourish.
His journey may have ended, but his vision continues to live on.
His public life was closely connected with Sikkim’s transition towards a more representative political system. Following the 1974 elections, he became a member of the ministry led by Kazi Lhendup Dorjee, serving as Minister for Public Works from July 1974. In that capacity, he was associated with public works and infrastructure at a time when extending roads, connectivity and basic amenities to the people was central to Sikkim’s development.
Following a reshuffling of portfolios in July 1977, he was entrusted with the portfolios of Power, Small, Medium & Heavy Industries, and Cottage Industries. His association with the Power portfolio placed him at a significant point in Sikkim’s efforts to extend development and essential services to its people, while his responsibilities in Cottage Industries reflected an equally important concern for nurturing traditional skills and crafts.
It was indeed a moment of immense pride — for a proud daughter and a proud Rong — to remember a man of integrity, wisdom, courage and foresight.
As a family, we shall always carry forward the values he instilled in us — to uphold our indigenous identity with pride, dignity and responsibility.
In hindsight, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Tendong Lho Rum Faat Celebration Committee, 2026 – Knowledge Series V, particularly REN Tseten Lepcha, Convenor, for acknowledging my father’s tireless and invaluable contributions, his distinguished public service and his visionary leadership.
I pray that his legacy continues to inspire the people of Sikkim, particularly the younger generation, to serve society with dedication, while protecting, nurturing and allowing the rich cultural heritage of the Lepcha community to flourish.
Achuley!
