Malbasey Prepares for Four-Day Tribute to Late CM Nar Bahadur Bhandari on His 84th Birth Anniversary

Malbasey, the birthplace of the late Chief Minister Nar Bahadur Bhandari, is set to host a four-day celebration from October 2 to 5, 2024, marking what would have been his 84th birthday. The event, organized by the newly established Bhandari Jayanti Celebration Committee, aims to honor Bhandari’s legacy as a pivotal figure in Sikkim’s modernization.

G.P. Dahal, a retired educator and committee advisor, revealed that notable personalities, including former MLA Aditya Gole as Chief Patron, will participate in the celebrations. The committee, led by President Rajen Basnet, also includes Vice President Manoj Thapa and General Secretaries TB Rawat and Balram Sharma.

The festivities will feature a variety of cultural and sporting events, such as a ward-level volleyball tournament, dance competitions, a “super mum” contest, and tug-of-war matches for both genders. The opening ceremony on October 2 will coincide with Gandhi Jayanti, highlighting a cleanliness drive in homage to Mahatma Gandhi.

The commemoration will also spotlight Bhandari’s vital contributions, including his advocacy for the Nepali language’s inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Bhandari, who served as Chief Minister three times and represented Sikkim in the Lok Sabha, passed away on July 16, 2017. His enduring influence continues to resonate within the Nepali-speaking community.

In honor of his achievements, the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM)-led government has declared October 5 a public holiday. The upcoming celebration seeks to reflect on Bhandari’s significant impact on the state and its residents.