29May
The 17th International Everest Day and the 110th Birth Anniversary of Late Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, with a focus on "Mountain Solutions for a Sustainable Future," were celebrated in Gangtok, Sikkim, on May 29, 2024. The event was organized by the Denzong Sherpa Association, Sikkim, in collaboration with the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim.
The event was categorised into three different programs: a Hill Walkathon in the morning from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM at MG Marg to Raj Bhawan, an Award Ceremony and Theme-based program during the day from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Chintan Bhawan, and a Cultural Program in the evening from 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM at MG Marg, Gangtok.
SESSION I: In the morning, the event began with a walkathon, flagged off in the presence of Chief Minister Mr. Prem Singh Tamang as the Chief Guest, along with Minister Mr. B. S. Panth, Secretary of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department Mr. Prakash Chhetri, President of the Denzong Sherpa Association Mr. Dorjee Sherpa Pinasa, Councillor Sandeep Malu, Deputy Mayor Tshering Palden Bhutia, and other dignitaries. A total of 243 participants from different places, including America, Belgium, Nepal, and various Indian states (Mumbai, Gujarat, Kolkata, etc.), participated in the hill walkathon.
The winners of the walkathon were as follows:
Senior Female Category
First - Mingma Sherpa
Second - Bishnu Kumari Tamang
Third - Phurba Lhamu Sherpa
Open Female Category
First - Reena Rana
Second - Shanti Gurung
Third - Tshering Choden Bhutia
Senior Male Category
First - Samdup Wangyal Lama
Second - Udai Rai
Third - Pintso Chewang Bhutia
Open Male Category
First - Leewon Rai
Second - Thendup Sherpa
Third - Rohit Sharma
Youngest Runner - Pema Drolma Sherpa (10 years old)
SESSION-II: The award ceremony and theme-based program saw the presence of Chief Minister Mr. Prem Singh Tamang as the Chief Guest, along with Ven. Sonam Lama, Minister for the Ecclesiastical Department, Shri B. S. Panth, Minister for Tourism, Mr. M. N. Sherpa, Minister for Transport & Power, Shri Prakash Chhetri, Secretary of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Shri Dorjee Sherpa Pinasa, President of the Denzong Sherpa Association, and other dignitaries including Mr. Ang Tshering Sherpa, Honorary Counsel of Belgium & President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, and various members of the Global Sherpa Association.
In his address, Chief Minister Mr. Prem Singh Tamang highlighted the journey and contributions of Late Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. He also congratulated the team of the feature film "Tara: The Lost Star" for their achievement. Additionally, the Chief Minister discussed the state's tourism potential, detailing various initiatives to enrich tourist attractions. He underscored the state's dedication to cultivating new destinations and upgrading infrastructure to stimulate tourism, thereby fostering the state's development and preserving its cultural heritage.
Mr. Prakash Chhetri, Secretary of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, in his welcome address, gave a brief insight into the importance of International Everest Day, celebrated every year in the state to commemorate the successful ascent of Mount Everest by Late Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Late Edmund Hillary. He also underscored the need to enhance the state's adventure tourism on the global stage, highlighting its potential to boost economic growth, foster cultural exchange, and increase international recognition of the state’s unique natural landscapes and thrilling experiences.
Mr. Ang Tshering Sherpa, Honorary Counsel of Belgium and President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, in his address, highlighted the contributions of Late Tenzing Norgay Sherpa to the Sherpa community. He extensively discussed the importance of environmental conservation, the impacts of global warming and climate change, and the necessity of sustainable development. He emphasized the urgency of preserving our depleting natural resources and the need to protect the Himalayas.
Mr. Thendup Sherpa, President of the Global Sherpa Association, elaborated on the contributions of Late Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, highlighting his pivotal role in shaping the global identity of the Sherpa community. He emphasized the importance of preserving the rich culture and history of the Himalayas, noting that these efforts are crucial for maintaining the region's heritage.
Mr. Kazi Sherpa, Joint Director of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, in his presentation, detailed the potential and prospects of adventure tourism in Sikkim. He also elaborated on the region's eco-tourism potential. Additionally, he emphasized the development of new adventure tourism destinations in Sikkim, encouraged the promotion of winter tourism, and discussed new initiatives in adventure tourism.
Ms. Manita Pradhan, an Everest climber, shared her experience of summiting Mount Everest. She urged the younger generation to aim high and never lose hope in themselves. She emphasized the importance of perseverance, resilience, and believing in one's potential to overcome challenges and achieve their dreams.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. Dorjee Sherpa Pinasa, President of the Denzong Sherpa Association.
Session III - MG Marg: The cultural program showcased performances from various ethnic communities of Sikkim, highlighting the region's rich cultural diversity. Shri M. N. Sherpa, Minister for Transport & Power, attended as the Chief Guest, along with Shri Ang Tshering Sherpa, Honorary Counsel of Belgium, President of the Global Sherpa Association, the Secretary of the UDD, and other dignitaries. The audience's enthusiastic response set the stage for Zee TV Sa Re Ga Ma Pa fame KARMA SHERPA, who mesmerised the crowd at MG Marg with his captivating voice. He performed songs in multiple languages, including Hindi, Nepali, Sherpa, and Bengali, appealing to the diverse audience. The event was brimming with entertainment, vividly showcasing the vibrant colors and traditions of Sikkim's various cultures.
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