Sikkim remembers son of soil Nar Bahadur Bhandari on his birthday

GANGTOK

Former Chief Minister of Sikkim late NB Bhandari was remembered on his 80th birth anniversary on 5th October in Gangtok.

Late NB Bhandari was Sikkim's CM from 1979 to 1994 for fourteen years barring a few months in between. He was also the first chief minister of any Indian state from the Nepali community.

Leaders across the political spectrum in Sikkim have paid rich tribute to the late leader who is remembered for his strong pro-regional stand and as a Nepali language activist.

CM PS Tamang in a function marking his birth anniversary in the capital said, "Bhandari was a true son of the soil and loved Sikkim and the Sikkimese people from the depth of his heart. His dynamic leadership during his regime as the Chief Minister stands as a strong foundation and also as an inspiration to emulate. His most notable contribution is the inclusion of the Nepali language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution of India.”

Former CM Pawan Chamling also paid a rich tribute to his former colleague and his principal adversary for many years. "I had the opportunity to work under his leadership for some time during which I was able to witness some of his notable contributions to Sikkim," he said.

N. B. Bhandari Fellowship Scheme was launched by the state government on the occasion with an aim to provide an opportunity for Sikkim’s brightest and most promising graduate students to pursue higher studies in the top 20 Universities of the world.