Ravangla: Kunphenling Tibetan Settlement Officer Kalsang Tseten recently attended the 211th Bhanu Jayanti celebration held in Ravangla, South Sikkim. The event commemorated the birth anniversary of Adikavi Bhanu Bhakta Acharya, a highly respected figure in Nepali literature.

The celebration commenced with a 2.5-kilometre unity walk from Ravangla Main Bazaar to the Community Centre at Rabong, followed by a cultural program featuring performances, poetry recitations, and speeches. The event underscored the enduring legacy of Bhanu Bhakta Acharya, renowned for translating the Ramayana into Nepali and for his significant contributions to the development of Nepali language and literature.

The main function was graced by Hon’ble area MLA Shri Riksal Dorjee Bhutia as the Chief Guest, and Shri Tashi Gyalpo Bhutia as the Guest of Honour. Other distinguished dignitaries included Madam Teny Doma Bhutia, Chairperson of the Sikkim State Women’s Commission; Shri Bishnu Sharma, Additional Political Secretary to the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri P.S. Golay from Namchi; the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Ravangla; the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Ravangla; and the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the area MLA.

Possibly for the first time, a Tibetan Settlement Officer had the honour of attending this significant cultural event — a gesture reflecting the growing goodwill and mutual respect between the local Nepali-speaking community and the Tibetan residents of the Kunphenling Settlement.

As a mark of appreciation, the Tibetan Settlement Officer was presented with a traditional Nepali topi (headgear), flowers, and a memento by the organising committee — symbolising the warmth and respect extended by the host community.

Speaking after the event, Tibetan Settlement Officer Kalsang Tseten expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the organisers for their warm welcome and shared his appreciation for such inclusive initiatives that foster social harmony and inter-community cooperation.

-Report filed by TSO, Kunphenling