Annual general meeting of Gangtok Thakurbari Management Committee

HISHEY WANGDI

GANGTOK,: The Gangtok Thakurbari Management Committee convened its Annual General Meeting on Sunday, bringing together committee members, devotees, and distinguished guests to review the committee’s activities and discuss plans for the future.

The programme was graced by MLA Delay Namgyal Barfungpa as the chief guest. Among the other dignitaries present were Gangtok Municipal Corporation Mayor Tshering Palden Bhutia, Deputy Mayor Sara Lama, and councillors.

The meeting began on a solemn note with members and guests observing a one-minute silence in memory of late Kiran Rasaily and late Rameshwar Lal. The gathering paid tribute to their invaluable contributions and offered heartfelt condolences, remembering their dedication and service to the Gangtok Thakurbari community.

The meeting proceeded with the presentation of the Annual Report by the General Secretary of the committee, Pawan Mittal, who highlighted the committee’s activities, achievements, and initiatives undertaken during the past year. Treasurer Anil Gupta then presented the financial statement along with the audited accounts, providing members with an overview of the committee’s financial status.

The presentations were followed by an open house discussion, during which members shared their views, offered suggestions, and deliberated on various matters concerning the development and effective functioning of the committee.

Addressing the gathering, Gangtok Thakurbari Management Committee President Prawin Gurung explained the committee’s election process and the manner in which its members are elected and emphasised that holding the Annual General Meeting is a mandatory exercise to ensure accountability and transparency. He urged members to work collectively for the betterment and development of the Thakurbari Mandir.

He also stressed that waste management is the responsibility of every individual and called upon everyone to contribute towards maintaining a clean temple environment. Highlighting the importance of transparency in the committee’s functioning, he reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to good governance.

Gurung further underscored the need to preserve and promote the rich cultural and religious heritage associated with the Thakurbari, encouraging greater community participation in its activities.

Addressing the gathering, MLA Gangtok Delay Namgyal Barfungpa described Gangtok Thakurbari Mandir as the “jewel in the crown” of Gangtok and stressed the need for collective efforts to preserve and develop the temple. He urged the committee and devotees to come up with effective ways and means to ensure the proper upkeep and long term maintenance of the mandir.

Emphasising the importance of sound management and discipline, he said that these are essential for the smooth functioning and continued progress of the institution. Calling for unity, he urged everyone to work with the spirit of “us” rather than “me”, adding that transparency must remain a guiding principle in the committee’s functioning. He further appealed to people to rise above community identities and work together as Sikkimese for the welfare and development of the Thakurbari.