Sikkim CM Unveils Renovated Bhutia-Lepcha House, Promotes Unity

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang inaugurated the remodeled Bhutia-Lepcha (BL) House on Tibet Road, Gangtok, at an event attended by political leaders, community members, and dignitaries at Manan Kendra. The newly restored BL House, first established by former Chief Minister Nar Bahadur Bhandari over three decades ago, stands as a symbol of the unity and cultural heritage of Sikkim’s Bhutia and Lepcha communities.

The Chief Minister highlighted the state government’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and cultural preservation. “The remodeled BL House is more than just a building; it is a reflection of our commitment to upholding the heritage and cultural identity of the Bhutia and Lepcha communities,” Tamang said.

Education Minister K.N. Lepcha lauded CM Tamang’s leadership, calling the renovation a “monumental step in preserving the cultural legacy of the Bhutia and Lepcha people.” The restoration, he noted, provides a vibrant cultural hub for the community, enabling members to reconnect with their heritage while adapting to modern needs. Public Health Engineering Minister Sonam Lama described the event as “a historic moment” for the Bhutia-Lepcha community, which comprises over 1.35 lakh people in Sikkim, adding, “The new BL House is a symbol of the strength, unity, and pride of our community.”

“I was deeply honored to be felicitated by the esteemed Bhutia-Lepcha communities of Sikkim at Manan Kendra,” he said, adding that the newly upgraded BL House includes amenities such as a multi-purpose hall to serve as a space for community gatherings and cultural events. The Chief Minister expressed hope that the facility would foster unity and cooperation among Sikkim’s diverse communities, strengthening Sikkim’s “unique social fabric of unity in diversity.”