Namchi: December 6, 2011

In a meeting of Akhil Kirat Rai Sangh, Sikkim held at Seven Hills, Phali Dara, Namchi, South Sikkim chaired by Political Secretary to Chief Minister, KN Rai held on 4th December 2011, the Association has criticized and condemned the Cultural Affairs and Heritage Department for their carelessness in the preparation of the design of the Rai tableau that is to be showcased at New Delhi during the Republic Day, 2012 celebrations.

The design prepared by the department in the first place did not depict Rai culture and tradition and was a misrepresentation of it. Due to some irresponsible officers of the department the wrong design of the Rai tableau to be showcased during the Republic Day, 2012 celebrations at New Delhi was sent for the approval to the Ministry of Culture, Government of India New Delhi. He further mentioned the design of the tableau was totally different from the Rai community and its culture but was depicting something else.

Fortunately the AKRS, Sikkim came to know about the mistake in the design of tableau. This shows the negligence and carelessness of some of the officers who have tried to tarnish the image of the Rai Community, said KN Rai said. However the final authentic design of tableau prepared by the AKRS, Sikkim is being taken to New Delhi on 8th December, 2011 through the Department of Culture, he informed.

K.N. Rai in his address thanked the CM for his leadership and for providing such a precious opportunity to the Rai community for showcasing their tradition at the National level through their tableau. He also wished to both the CM and Tika Maya Chamling a happy and prosperous life and hoped that both of them will continue their support to the community and the Association. He called on all the members of the association to reach to the ground level individuals and work together for the upliftment and betterment of the community as a whole.

He also highlighted on the communal harmony amongst the various communities in the State under the dynamic leadership of the CM. Speaking on culture he said that tradition and culture are the identity of any community and it should be properly propagated and preserved. Even if the community people chose their own religion but tradition and culture are not to be compromised. He suggested the association to start a legal cell for providing free legal aid to the grass root people.

Speaking on quality education, he even advised the people to identify good students from the community who can benefit from the scholarship programme under the Government.

The meeting also discussed the finalization of the design of the tableau to be presented on 26th of January, 2012 and the celebration of Sakewa 2012. Lata Rajlim, officer of the Culture and Heritage Department, informed regarding the changes in the tableau design. Mohan Dungmali in his address said that the state government has sanctioned Rs 1 crore for the construction of Paruhang Sapthen Mangkhim Ranka, east Sikkim.

Adding more Dungmali said that the tableau which is to be showcased on the occasion of the Republic day has to be of international level and must play important role for tribal status of the community. Speaking on Sakewa Gagan Rai said that the community must unite to celebrate the festival in a grand manner at Namchi, South Sikkim.

In the meeting different decisions like publishing brochures, arrangements of ornaments, selection of dances and songs were taken. Singhithang MLA Binod Rai informed that a land has been donated by BB Rai for Mangkhim at Namchi which will be developed along with study center and other purposes like lodging
facilities etc.

Similarly Rastaman Rai highlighted important points which need to be observed during the showcase of Tableau which should be larger than life and said that it is a golden opportunity for the community to perform their best. General Secretary, Central Committee, BC Rai in his address reminded the writers, authors for the recorgnization and empanelment of the Rai text books by the CBSE in higher studies.

The meeting was attended by Namchi Singhithang MLA Binod Rai, Rastaman Rai, Hemu Rai, GS Central committee BC Rai, Chairperson Tea Board of Sikkim Gagan Rai, Sagar Rai, Dr. Nayan Rai President South AKRS, Sailesh Rai GS South,Santosh Rai (cec), youth president Ashit Rai, and more than two hundred members from different blocks and districts.

Pic: Sikkim tableau on display during the full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day at Rajpath in New Delhi on January 23, 2011.

Sikkim Mail

 

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