Introduction
Welcome to the Denzong Sherpa Association (DSA) website!
The Denzong Sherpa Association is a non-profit, non governmental & non-political organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the unique cultural heritage of the Sikkimese Sherpa people. We strive to empower the Sherpa community through education, advocacy, and environmental conservation. We are committed to providing economic opportunities, and raising awareness about the Sherpa people's unique culture and way of life. We are devoted to creating a secure future for the Sherpa people, and safeguarding the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the Himalayan Sherpa Tribe.
History
The Sherpa community has a distinct culture of its own including a dialect. Though the Sherpa community constitute a sizable segment of the Sikkim’s population, very few individuals of the community have made progress in the various field of human activities in the state.
The right to form associations and unions by the citizens is a guaranteed Fundamental Right conferred by article 19 of the constitution of India. An associations and unions, in a democratic policy like ours perform a very important function in strengthening the democratic fabric of the community and the society at large. Associations and unions act as pressure groups in plural societies and thus place limitations on the exercise of power by the elected representative of the people. As Indian citizens, the Sherpa born and brought up in Sikkim have now realized the utility and importance as also the need of an effective association for the protection of their overall interests in the state. Thus, the need of such an association has taken its form the name of DENZONG SHERPA ASSOCIATION (DSA) which came into existence in the year 1981 and adopted the constitution to guide and contrast its activities in Sikkim.
Denzong Sherpa Association is registered under Land Revenue Department, Government of Sikkim vide notification no. 2602 A/H dated 5th September 1984 on usual terms and conditions. The registration number of the association is 179 (ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY NINE).
The right to form associations and unions by the citizens is a guaranteed Fundamental Right conferred by article 19 of the constitution of India. An associations and unions, in a democratic policy like ours perform a very important function in strengthening the democratic fabric of the community and the society at large. Associations and unions act as pressure groups in plural societies and thus place limitations on the exercise of power by the elected representative of the people. As Indian citizens, the Sherpa born and brought up in Sikkim have now realized the utility and importance as also the need of an effective association for the protection of their overall interests in the state. Thus, the need of such an association has taken its form the name of DENZONG SHERPA ASSOCIATION (DSA) which came into existence in the year 1981 and adopted the constitution to guide and contrast its activities in Sikkim.
Denzong Sherpa Association is registered under Land Revenue Department, Government of Sikkim vide notification no. 2602 A/H dated 5th September 1984 on usual terms and conditions. The registration number of the association is 179 (ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY NINE).
Aims & Objectives
These aims and objectives are focused on preserving and promoting the distinct religion, culture, and socio-economic well-being of the Sherpa community in Sikkim.
- Preservation of Sherpa Culture: The DSA aims to protect and defend the distinct religion and culture of the Sherpa community in Sikkim. This includes safeguarding our traditional customs, practices, and beliefs.
- Economic and Social Upliftment: The organization intends to take measures and make efforts to improve the economic and social standards of the less privileged sections of the Sherpa tribe.
- Propagation of Buddhism: Since Buddhism is a fundamental aspect of Sherpa culture, the DSA aims to promote Buddhism, particularly the Ningmapa Sect of Mahayana Tradition. This may involve supporting the development and maintenance of Sherpa Gumpas.
- Preservation of Sherpa Art, Culture, and Tradition: The DSA is committed to work for the welfare of the Sherpa Community by engaged in various activities related to religion, culture, artifacts, and social issues.
- Education in the Mother Tongue: The organization plans to start classes for children and adults in places where the Sherpa language is not readily available in educational institutions. This aims to ensure that Sherpa children can receive an education in their native language, preserving their cultural and linguistic heritage.
Denzong Sherpa Association's Official Logo & its Symbolization
Designed By:
MR. DORJEE SHERPA PINASA
Add: Agamlok, Lingtam, Dist-Pakyong, Sikkim
[Approved by the Central Executive Committee of Denzong Sherpa Association on 14/03/2011 under the presidentship of Shri T. T. Sherpa.]
Sherpa’s history, culture, tradition, values, ethics and practices are shaped by the faith of Buddhism. Our ancestors were the followers of Nyingmapa Sect of Mahayana Buddhism. So, our DSA logo depicts the significant values cherished by the faith of Buddhism. The logo is combined of three things which are Choki Khorlo (Dharma Chakra), Padma (Lotus) and Tashi Khada (Scarf).
Choki Khor-lo (Dharma Chakra): The 'Choki Khor-lo at the centre signifies the fortune of passing the time of all sentient being under the blessings of Lord Buddha's wheel of dharma which is turned eternally without coming to the end.
Padma (Lotus): The dharma chakra is placed upon the Padma as it is the pedestal of the Lord Buddha, moreover, it is where the scriptures of the perfact wisdom - the dharma symbolically rest. It signifies the purity of one's mind and which are free from the dirt of sins.
Tashi Khada (Scarf): The dharma Chakra is wrapped by the Tashi Khada that symbolises offerings and welcome. It is considered to be a token of protection, in fact, Denzong Sherpa Association depicts these characteristics as the protectorate of the community's culture, traditions, languages, beliefs, practices along with the promotion of cooperation, harmony, prosperity and development as a whole.
MR. DORJEE SHERPA PINASA
Add: Agamlok, Lingtam, Dist-Pakyong, Sikkim
[Approved by the Central Executive Committee of Denzong Sherpa Association on 14/03/2011 under the presidentship of Shri T. T. Sherpa.]
Sherpa’s history, culture, tradition, values, ethics and practices are shaped by the faith of Buddhism. Our ancestors were the followers of Nyingmapa Sect of Mahayana Buddhism. So, our DSA logo depicts the significant values cherished by the faith of Buddhism. The logo is combined of three things which are Choki Khorlo (Dharma Chakra), Padma (Lotus) and Tashi Khada (Scarf).
Choki Khor-lo (Dharma Chakra): The 'Choki Khor-lo at the centre signifies the fortune of passing the time of all sentient being under the blessings of Lord Buddha's wheel of dharma which is turned eternally without coming to the end.
Padma (Lotus): The dharma chakra is placed upon the Padma as it is the pedestal of the Lord Buddha, moreover, it is where the scriptures of the perfact wisdom - the dharma symbolically rest. It signifies the purity of one's mind and which are free from the dirt of sins.
Tashi Khada (Scarf): The dharma Chakra is wrapped by the Tashi Khada that symbolises offerings and welcome. It is considered to be a token of protection, in fact, Denzong Sherpa Association depicts these characteristics as the protectorate of the community's culture, traditions, languages, beliefs, practices along with the promotion of cooperation, harmony, prosperity and development as a whole.