🌺 “A River of Words, A Mountain of Wisdom”
Sikkim Bids Farewell to Padma Shri Gadul Singh Lama (Sanu Lama) with Full State Honours
Sikkim paid a final tribute to one of its greatest literary and cultural legends, Padma Shri Gadul Singh Lama, lovingly called Sanu Lama, with full State honours today at Dechenling Crematorium, Gangtok.
His passing on 12 July 2025 in Siliguri marks the end of an era in Nepali literature and public service. Known for his simple yet powerful storytelling, Lama’s contributions went far beyond the written word — his work enriched Sikkim’s cultural soul.
Sanu Lama: Early Life & Education
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 15 June 1939 |
| Place of Birth | Timburbong, West Sikkim |
| Schooling | Sir Tashi Namgyal High School, Gangtok |
| Higher Education | Diploma in Civil Engineering, MBC Institute, Burdwan (1959) |
From a young age, Lama showed a love for books. He was deeply inspired by his school teacher, Rashmi Prasad Alley, who introduced him to Nepali literature.
Government Service
- Lama served in the Sikkim State Government as a civil engineer for 38 years.
- He retired as the Chief Engineer and was known for his honesty and discipline.
- Even while working full-time, he continued to write, becoming a voice for the common people.
📚 Literary Journey
Sanu Lama is best remembered as a pioneer of Nepali short stories. His writings focused on everyday life, emotional struggles, rural culture, and social values.
Sanu Lama : Short Story Collections 📖
| Book Title | Year | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Katha Sampad | 1971 | Includes popular stories like Swasni Manchey, Khani Tarma Ek Din, and Asinapo Manchey. Still used in UPSC exams. |
| Gojika | 1981 | Known for vivid rural storytelling and realistic characters. |
| Mrigatrishna | 1993 | Won the Sahitya Akademi Award; stories about desires and human emotions. |
Other Important Works by Sanu Lama
| Genre | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Novel | Himalchuli Manitira | Autobiographical; reflects his deep connection to nature and society. |
| Travelogue | Aangan Paratira | Describes his journeys and observations beyond Sikkim. |
| Poetry | Jahan Bagchha Tista Rangeet | A tribute to the land of Sikkim, full of lyrical beauty. |
| Essays | Various published works | Focused on society, literature, and culture. |
| Translation | Bhagawan Buddha Jeevan ra Darshan, Guru Padmasambhava | Brought spiritual and philosophical texts to Nepali readers. |
His stories have been translated into English, Hindi, Urdu, Assamese, and Oriya, making his work accessible across India.
His Iconic Song: “Jahan Bagchha Tista Rangeet”
One of Sanu Lama’s greatest cultural contributions is the song:
“Jahan Bagchha Tista Rangeet…”
(Where Teesta and Rangeet Flow)
- Written in 1970 for the birthday celebration of Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal.
- Sung by Dawa Tamang Lama, it became an unofficial anthem of Sikkim.
- Today, this song was sung again during his funeral — a deeply emotional moment for all.
🏅 Sanu Lama Awards and Recognition
| Award Name | Year |
|---|---|
| Padma Shri | 2005 |
| Sahitya Akademi Award | 1993 |
| Sikkim Bhanu Puraskar | 1991 |
| Dr. Shova Kanti Thegim Smriti Puraskar | 2001 |
| Madan Byakhanmala Puraskar | 2000 |
Positions Held
- Founding Secretary – Bharatiya Nepali Rashtriya Parishad
- General Secretary – Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Sikkim
- Member – Editorial Board, National Book Trust
- Advisor – Sahitya Akademi (Nepali language)
- President – Himalayan Writers’ Forum
Final Farewell: 18 July 2025
- Funeral Procession: Started from his home Phul Chandra Niwas at Development Area, Gangtok.
- Route: Passed through major cultural points of the city.
- Final Rites: Performed at Dechenling Crematorium.
Dignitaries Present:
- Chief Minister Mr. Prem Singh Tamang
- Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Advisors
- Senior government officers
- Writers, poets, students, and citizens
The Sikkim Armed Police gave a 21-gun salute. His coffin, draped in the national flag, was handed to his son by the Chief Minister.
As the song “Jahan Bagchha Tista Rangeet…” echoed through Dechenling and the flames rose into the sky, Sikkim bid goodbye to a soul who gave it words, wisdom, and warmth.
Gadul Singh Lama’s work continues to live on through his books, his songs, and the hearts of those who read Nepali literature. He showed that with simple words and deep thoughts, one can shape a culture and inspire a nation.
Table of Contents
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