Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang inaugurated the newly remodeled Bhutia-Lepcha (BL) House at Tibet Road, Gangtok, on November 17, marking a significant step in preserving the cultural heritage of Sikkim’s Bhutia and Lepcha communities. The event, held at Manan Kendra, brought together political leaders, community members, and dignitaries to celebrate the revival of this heritage structure, originally built during the tenure of former Chief Minister Nar Bahadur Bhandari.
Addressing the gathering, CM Tamang emphasized his government’s commitment to inclusivity under the guiding principle of “One Sikkim, One Family.” “The BL House is a testament to our dedication to preserving cultural identity while fostering unity among Sikkim’s diverse communities,” he said. Education Minister K.N. Lepcha called the renovation a “monumental step” in safeguarding traditions, while Public Health Engineering Minister Sonam Lama described it as a “symbol of unity and pride” for the 1.35 lakh-strong Bhutia-Lepcha community.
The Chief Minister also reaffirmed efforts to uphold Sikkim’s special constitutional provisions under Article 371F and reiterated his government’s pursuit of bringing the 17th Karmapa to the state.