Thursday, Apr 09, 2026 22:00 [IST]
Last Update: Wednesday, Apr 08, 2026 16:22 [IST]
On
4 April, at around 3 p.m., while casually scrolling through social media, I
came across a post announcing the passing of Yapo Captain Sonam Yongda. Though
I had the rare privilege of meeting him only once after passing my Class 10
board examinations, that single interaction left an indelible mark on my life.
Even in the midst of illness, Yapo Captain Sonam Yongda remained profoundly
concerned about the children and the future of Denzong Pema Choeling Academy,
revealing a life wholly devoted to nurturing the youth and safeguarding the
future of Sikkim. His final concerns were not for his own suffering, but for
the land and people he loved so deeply.The passing of Yapo has taken me back to
the cherished years of my childhood at D.P.C. Academy, where I spent more than
seven of the most formative years of my life. Those years were marked by
discipline, serenity, and a deep sense of care, all nurtured under the
compassionate and fatherly presence of our beloved Yapo. To many of us, he was
far more than an educator or administrator; he was a guardian, a protector,
and, for countless children seeking guidance, affection, and emotional
reassurance, he became a true fatherly figure in every sense of the word.
In a time when access to education often that determined the future of individuals and communities, Yapo Captain Sonam Yongda stood as a beacon of hope for countless underprivileged children in Sikkim. Through his unwavering dedication, D.P.C. Academy became far more than a place of formal education; it emerged as a sanctuary of opportunity for the marginalised members of society. Though his unwavering vision, education in true sense of the word; extended well beyond textbooks and examinations. Alongside formal learning, students were introduced to the foundational teachings of Buddhism,reading of sacred scriptures, and a deeper appreciation of Sikkim’s rich spiritual and historical heritage. In his care, education was not merely a formal obligation but one that was principled on moral, cultural, and human responsibility. This depth of wisdom and spiritual values had inheritably made him extraordinary from an infant age.The honorific title “Yapo,” conferred by the monks of Pemayangtse Monastery, was itself a mark of his exceptional scholarly brilliance.At just thirteen, he achieved the rare distinction of passing three rigorous monastic examinations; an accomplishment that reflected extraordinary intellectual brilliance and spiritual promise, and earned him the honorific title “Yapo” from the monks of Pemayangtse Monastery.
Yapo
Captain Sonam Yongda was also a steadfast advocate of non-violence (Ahimsa)
and a man deeply rooted in compassion (Karuna), whose life reflected a
rare harmony between conviction and action. He consistently reminded us to live
in reverence and balance with the fragile natural environment of Sikkim and to
stand courageously in defence of its sacred landscape whenever it was
threatened. He did not merely preach values but lived them. This was powerfully
evident in his participation in the movement opposing the proposed Rathong Chu
Hydroelectric Power Project in 2014. For Yapo, the protection of Rathong Chu
was not simply an environmental concern; it was a matter of safeguarding the
spiritual and cultural soul of Sikkim. Revered as one of the most sacred rivers
of Demajong, Rathong Chu is believed to arise from the confluence of holy lakes
and sacred springs, and its waters hold immense ritual significance, especially
in the annual Bumchu ceremony, where they are used to foretell the fortunes and
well-being of the people of Sikkim. Yapo understood, perhaps more deeply than
most, that in Sikkim, the defence of nature is inseparable from the defence of
faith, heritage, and collective identity.
Despite
his immense knowledge, stature, and remarkable accomplishments, Yapo Captain
Sonam Yongda remained a man of profound humility, simplicity, and quiet
strength. Far removed from the limelight, he lived a life defined not by
recognition but by service; touching countless lives through his warmth,
generosity, moral clarity, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of the
people of Sikkim. He was truly one of Sikkim’s unsung heroes, a deeply
principled soul who believed in justice, equality, and a society free from
division and exploitation. These ideals were not merely convictions, but values
he embodied through a lifetime of service to education, culture, and the
protection of Sikkim’s heritage and environment. His distinguished life was
further marked by notable academic and professional achievements: he served as
a Captain in the Sikkim Guards, was the last Aide-de-Camp to His Highness
Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal, and pursued a commendable academic path through
institutions such as the University of Calcutta, the University of North
Bengal, and St. Joseph’s College, Darjeeling; reflecting the same discipline,
intellect, and dedication that would define his lifelong journey.
According
to a social media post-dated 05.04.2026 by Jigmee Wangchuk Bhutia, Yapo’s life
of service was further distinguished by his remarkable military journey.
Answering the call of national duty, he joined the Indian Military Academy, where
he underwent two years of rigorous officer training before graduating in 1969
and being commissioned in December of that year. He is remembered as an
exceptional Gentleman Cadet and, notably, as the only officer from Sikkim to
have received awards and prizes during his training for outstanding initiative
and leadership in the exercise known as “Great Escape” (1968–69). Yet even
these distinguished achievements represent only one part of a life far greater
in purpose than titles or honours could ever fully capture.
In
a world increasingly shaped by personal ambition, comfort, and material
pursuits, Yapo Captain Sonam Yongda chose a far nobler path; one marked by
selflessness, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to the forgotten,
underprivileged, and vulnerable people. Though he had every opportunity to live
a life of ease and privilege, he consciously chose instead to dedicate himself
to the service of others, offering not only education, but also dignity,
direction, and hope. That quiet and deliberate choice remains perhaps the most
profound testament to the nobility of his character. Today, as Sikkim mourns
the loss of one of its most remarkable sons, grief alone cannot contain the
fullness of his legacy. The Buddhist truth of impermanence reminds us that all
things are transient, and that time moves ever forward. Yet while Yapo may no
longer be physically among us, his wisdom, compassion, courage, and steadfast
commitment to justice will continue to live on in the countless lives he shaped
and the values he so deeply embodied. He devoted his life to truth, harmony,
cultural preservation, and the protection of nature, leaving behind a legacy
that will continue to illuminate the path for generations to come. If we truly
wish to honour his memory, our tribute must rise above sorrow; it must be
reflected in the way we livethrough greater humility, deeper compassion,
selfless service, and moral courage. By carrying forward his vision and values,
we ensure that his light does not fade, but continues to guide future
generations like a lamp in the darkness.
“May
Yapo Captain Sonam Yongda attain eternal peace in the Buddha’s pure realm, and
may his noble soul find liberation in the boundless light of wisdom and
compassion”.
As
Thornton Wilder so beautifully wrote,“The highest tribute to the dead is
not grief but gratitude.”
(The writer can be reached
at passangrongkup328@gmail.com )
(The writer can be reached at passangrongkup328@gmail.com )
