Sikkim mourns Padmashree Sanu Lama’s demise, Bhanu Jayanti celebrations scaled down

GANGTOK, : Gadul Singh Lama, fondly known by his pen name Sanu Lama, a towering figure in Nepali literature and music from Sikkim, passed away on Saturday morning at a private nursing home in Siliguri. He was 88.

Sanu Lama had been undergoing treatment at STNM Hospital in Gangtok before being referred to Siliguri on Friday night due to deterioration in his condition. He breathed his last around 6:30 a.m. on Saturday. His mortal remains will be brought to his residence in Gangtok this evening for the final rites.

Born in 1939, Sanu Lama made an indelible mark on the world of Nepali literature and music. His timeless lyrical creations such as “Jaga Bagcha Teesta Rangit” and “Balapanko Aagan Tyagera” songs have deeply enriched the Nepali cultural heritage and continue to resonate with generations of listeners.

A recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri Award in 2005, Sanu Lama's contributions to literature and the arts has left a lasting legacy. His demise has been deeply mourned by Sikkim.

In his condolence message, Governor Om Prakash Mathur expressed deep sadness on the demise of Sanu Lama.

“His immense contributions to the world of literature have left an indelible mark on our society. Lama’s demise is an irreparable loss to the Sahitya fraternity and the people of Sikkim. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family and may his soul rest in eternal peace,” said the Governor.

Similarly, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay expressed profound sorrow on the passing of Nepali literature’s doyen Sanu Lama.

“Sanu?Lama devoted his life to advancing the Nepali language, literature, and culture. His creative brilliance, lyrical grace, and unwavering dedication enriched Sikkim’s literary tradition and earned national acclaim. His immortal song ‘Jaha?Bagcha?Teesta?Rangit’ will resonate in our hearts forever,” expressed the Chief Minister.

Golay extended deep condolences to the bereaved family. Sanu Lama’s demise is an irreparable loss to the State and the literary world but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations, he said.

Meanwhile, the Nepali SahityaParishad (NSP) Sikkim has scaled down the 211^thBhanuJayanti celebrations scheduled for Sunday following the passing of Sanu Lama.

In a media statement, NSP Sikkim informed that the BhanuJayanti celebration would be limited to garlanding the AdiKavi’s statue in Bhanu Park here. Other celebratory events and cultural programmes scheduled at Manan Kendra have been cancelled.

The BhanuJayanti awards and honours will now be presented during the upcoming BhasaDiwas celebrations, informed the Parishad, expressing deep sadness on Sanu Lama’s demise.

Former Chief Minister PawanChamling has also extended his deep condolences.

A glorious chapter of Nepali literature, Sikkimese society, politics, and history has come to an end with Sanu Lama’s demise, said Chamling in his condolence message.

Chamling highlighted the vital contributions made by Sanu Lama during the Nepali language movement. Sanu Lama had left an indelible impression on our lives and Nepali literature with his achievements and works, he said.

The State BJP also mourned the passing of Sanu Lama, stating that he immortalized the sentiments and shared identity of Sikkim in words and music through “JagaBagchaTeestaRangit”.

“The demise of Sanu Lama brings one golden age of Nepali music and literature to an end,” said the State BJP, extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

Similarly, Citizen Action Party (CAP) Sikkim president Ganesh Rai expressed his deep sadness on the passing of Sanu Lama.

“Sanu Lama was not just a writer but a pillar of Nepali literature whose words gave voice to the identity, emotions, and struggles of our people. His immense contributions have left an indelible mark on the literary and cultural landscape of Sikkim and the wider Nepali-speaking community. His passing is an irreparable loss to us all,” said the CAP Sikkim president in his condolence message.

“On behalf of the Citizen Action Party – Sikkim, and on my personal behalf, I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and the entire literary fraternity. We honour his legacy and lifelong dedication to the enrichment of our language and literature,” said Rai.