Don’t forget your roots: Tamang exhorts youths

Gangtok, April 14: The Vikram Samvat New Year 2079 celebrations were held here on Thursday, with the participation of various sub-communities of Sikkimese Nepalese. Speaker, Sikkim Legislative Assembly, LB Das presided over the function. Chief Minister PS Tamang, in his address as the Chief Guest, emphasized unity among Sikkimese. “We are wishing for peace in the World on this day. The New Year is a festival for all the Sikkimese as well as all communities in the State. All of us are very close to each other, and hope unity continues in future also,” said Tamang. He said the festival should have been celebrated in the villages. Regretting that youngsters nowadays were allergic to reading, the Chief Minister urged youths not to follow Western culture blindly. “Your own culture should be part of your life. Do not forget your roots. Pursue ‘ Vocal for Local.’ Don’t ever give up celebrating festivals. Our indigenous languages should be spread and advanced,” he said. Tamang released Books in Nepali and a music album on the occasion. The program was marked by Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali folk dances, as a Sikkim Police Band played three popular tunes in Hindi and Nepali. (UNI)