Gangtok, 30/07/2023: Sikkim Newar Guthi (SNG), a non-profit Organization registered vide No. 689/LR/94 held its Annual General Meeting cum 1st Convocation of National Institute of Newar language and Culture at the Auditorium, Namthang Senior Secondary School amidst large gathering of Newars from all over the State including guests and dignitaries. The meeting was chaired by Shri. Nirmal Kr. Pradhan, President, Sikkim Newar Guthi and the other Central Executive members.
The main agenda of the meeting was presentation of the Reports of Activities and Statement of Accounts for the period 2022-2023, Distribution of Certificates to students, felicitation to teachers & different sakha and Indrajatra Celebration 2023.
The meeting was started with lighting of lamp (Sukunda) by the Chairman of the AGM followed by performing Gyanmala Bhajans by members of Soreng and Daramdin sakhas. The main program was started with the welcome address by Bhaju (Mr) .C.K Pradhan, Member, Namthang Sakha Guthi. The activities report of 2022-2023 year was presented by Dr. Sushen Pradhan, General Secretary, Sikkim Newar Guthi (SNG). Likewise, the Audited Statement of Accounts of the SNG as well as the activities on construction of Newar Bhawan Sichey, Gangtok and Kabrey Project Heritage of Newar Language, Culture and Research Centre was presented by the Bhaju (Mr) Mahendra Pradhan. Treasurer, SNG. Mayju (Mrs.) Kalpana Pradhan, Board Of Director, National Institute of Newar language and Culture (NINLC) delivered a lecture on Newar Five Traditional Utensils which must be kept by the entire Newar house in Sikkim. Bhaju (Mr.) D.K. Pradhan, Chairman, Board of Directors National Institute of Newar Language & Culture, Gangtok gave a brief report on establishment of NINLC and one year diploma course of the institute and future action plan.
In the 1st convocation programme of NINLC, SNG felicitated all the newar language, music and dance teachers of the institute. The teachers are Mayju Prajala Pradhan, Bhaju Chabilal Pradhan, Mayju Nirmala Pradhan and Mayju Rabina Pradhan. All the sixteen (16) students were distributed Mark Sheet and Pass Certificate of one year Diploma Course of Newar Language & Culture. Further, first, second and third students were also awarded with trophies and certificates. The 1stposition was achieved by Bhaju Rupok Pradhan, Daramdin, West Sikkim, followed by 2nd position Mayju Karuna Pradhan, Dentam, West Sikkim and 3rd position Mayju Priya Pradhan. Soreng, west Sikkim.
Sikkim Newar Guthi awarded to Bhaju K K Pradhan, President, Daramdin-Sombaria, Sakha & Mayju (Mrs) Smiriti Pradhan, Culture Secretary, Daramdin-Sombaria Sakha as Best Couple award for together conserving newar language, traditions and culture since two decades in Daramdin Sakha well as in Sikkim. Best Promising Sakha was awarded to Sadam Suntalay Sakha for imparting musical instruments (Dhimey) training to 62 numbers of students. The award was received by Bhaju Dewan Pradhan, President and Bhaju Sarad Pradhan, Member, Sadam Suntalay Sakha.
Further, Development Sakha was awarded with first women sakha having all womens are executive body of the Sakha Guthi. The Development Sakha was awarded for the women empowerment and giving example to all the women of Sikkim to preserve newar culture and traditions in Sikkim. The award was received by Mayju Bimla Pradhan, President, Development Area Sakha and all the executive body of the Sakha.
At last the Best Sakha of 2022-23 was awarded to Soreng Sakha for carryout numerous activities for preservation of Newar Culture and Rituals in Soreng Sakha. The activities were Second Samuhik Ketha Puja of 32 numbers of boys, First Newar Maha Puran, Maha Puja, training on rituals and musical instruments etc. The award was received by Bhaju K.B. Pradhan, President, Soreng Sakha and Bhaju Durga Mani Pradhan, General Secretary, Soreng Sakha.
Bhaju Mahendra Pradhan, Vice President, SNG proposed and passed resolution of “Newar Madhumaha Shradhanjali Programme”. The main aim of the programme is to provide financial support to the deceased family and to make Newars of Sikkim united. In this programme all the members of Sikkim Newar Guthi will offer Rs. 20/- in the name of deceased person instead of offering khadha. The responsibility of this programme was handed over to Bhaju Basant Pradhan, State Chief Coordinator. Further, eight daylong celebration of Indra Jatra 2022 the video documentary was launched from the hands of Bhaju Nirmal Kumar Pradhan, President Sikkim Newar Guthi.
Bhaju Mahendra Pradhan, Treasurer, Sikkim Newar Guthi gave the detailed accounts of eight days of Indrajatra Celebrations 2022. Further he proposed and passed the resolution to celebrate Indra Jatra festival 2023 in Gangtok, Gangtok District.
Executive members and members of different Sakhas and Zones put forward their suggestions and problems and highlighted the focus areas to be taken. Shri Nirmal Kr. Pradhan, President, SNG presented the activities of Sikkim Newar Guthi and also highlighted the areas of concern for the new executive to be taken up during their tenure.
The programme was ended with a vote of thanks by Mayju Hom Kumari Pradhan, Vice President (Women) SNG. The whole programme was smoothly conducted by Mayju Reshu Pradhan, Board of Director, NINLC, Sikkim Newar Guthi.
