Sikkim Lepcha Youth Association CEC

22/04/2026

Congratulations NAMGYAL ZANGMU RONGMIT.. You Made us Proud.. Keep Shining 👍

With immense pride and enthusiasm, we are delighted to share with all the esteemed guardians and well-wishers of EMRS Swayem that once again, one of our students has been selected to represent our institution at the prestigious ISRO YUVIKA Programme this year.

This remarkable achievement reflects the dedication of our students and the continuous support of our mentors and parents. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for a truly enriching and inspiring experience ahead.

21/04/2026

PRESS RELEASE / OFFICIAL STATEMENT
Issued by: Sikkim Lepcha Youth Association

The Sikkim Lepcha Youth Association expresses its deep concern and strong condemnation regarding the manner in which Lepcha traditional attire was presented during the Femina Miss India competition by a Sikkimese model.
While we acknowledge the intent to showcase the cultural richness of Sikkim, the ex*****on has caused significant hurt to the sentiments of the Lepcha community.
For the Lepcha people—particularly followers of the Mun-Bongthing faith—traditional attire is not merely clothing, but a representation of deep cultural, spiritual, and historical significance. The attire in question was not presented in its authentic form, reflecting a lack of proper understanding, sensitivity, and respect. If representation was intended, culturally significant elements such as Thokro or Dumbun could have been respectfully incorporated.
Appeal to Authorities and Media
The Association strongly urges all concerned authorities to establish clear guidelines and ensure mandatory adherence when representing indigenous traditional attire on any platform.
We also firmly appeal to all media houses, designers, and promotional agencies that Lepcha cultural identity, attire, and heritage must not be used, promoted, or displayed in any form without proper consultation, approval, and involvement of the Lepcha community.
Any violation in the future will be viewed seriously.

Appeal to the State Government -
The Association respectfully urges the Government of Sikkim to implement:
1. Clear policies on cultural representation
2. Mandatory consultation with concerned communities
3. Mechanisms to ensure authenticity and respect
4. A prohibition on the misuse of traditional attire as items such as tablecloths, cushion covers or chair covers in government offices.
Tommorow, the Lepcha Association of Sikkim will submit memorandum to the Chief Secretary, urging strict adherence to these measures and the early issuance of an official government circular.

Acknowledgment of Apology and Call for Forgiveness
The Association acknowledges that, following our intervention, Sikkim Glamour World and the concerned individual, Ms. Dekila Sherpa, have extended an apology to the Lepcha community through Social Media.
In this regard, we appeal to all members of the community to show magnanimity and a spirit of forgiveness by accepting the apology with dignity. At the same time, this incident must serve as a serious lesson, and such lapses must not be repeated in the future.

Call for Unity
We urge the Lepcha community to remain united, composed, and responsible. Our strength lies in safeguarding our heritage with wisdom, dignity, and collective responsibility.

The Sikkim Lepcha Youth Association remains committed to protecting and preserving the dignity of our traditions and ensuring that our identity is represented with authenticity and respect at all levels.
Issued in public interest
Sikkim Lepcha Youth Association

16/04/2026

SIKKIM LEPCHA YOUTH ASSOCIATION APPEAL

The Sikkim Lepcha Youth Association (SLYA) earnestly appeals to all members of the Lepcha community to write their full name with SURNAME instead of mentioning sub-caste only, at the time of the Population Census 2027, which is being conducted from 16th April 2026 onwards.

This collective effort will demonstrate our unity and full support towards the Population Census 2027, while also preserving and strengthening our community identity.

Let us come together and extend our wholehearted cooperation.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17ApoMBtSW

20/03/2026

Khamrimoo guunremka, today on the proud occasion of the 32nd Foundation Day of the Sikkim Lepcha Youth Association (SLYA), we extend my warmest greetings and heartfelt congratulations to all Lepcha youths and members of our beloved organization.

Since its establishment, SLYA has grown into a strong platform for safeguarding and promoting the identity, culture and unity of the Lepcha community. This journey has been possible because of the sincere dedication and visionary efforts of many pioneers and members who worked tirelessly to bring this organization into the limelight. We deeply appreciate and pray for their continued wisdom so that their thoughtful guidance may inspire the younger generation to carry forward our rich heritage with pride and responsibility.

On this special occasion, I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to all our well-wishers who have stood by SLYA through many challenges, offering their valuable support, encouragement and guidance.

We extend my heartfelt thanks to all respected former members, district and Kyong branch members, government officials, our present executive and primary members and the entire youth community for their continued commitment and cooperation.

We would also like to convey special appreciation and gratitude to our respected Respected Karthok Lupon Song and Respected MLA Lupon/Luponmoo Song (FORMER AND PRESENT) for their constant support and encouragement towards the growth and strengthening of SLYA.

Let this Foundation Day renew our collective commitment to work together for the welfare of our community, the preservation of our culture and the empowerment of our youth for a brighter future.

*Happy 34th Foundation Day of SLYA to all!*

With warm regards

Sikkim Lepcha Youth Association

14/03/2026

Press Release:

On 13th March 2026, the Sikkim Lepcha Youth Association (SLYA) celebrated Muk Zek Ding Rum Faat 2026 at Pangthang, Gangtok in association with its Phachey kyong (village) Branch.

The programme was graced by Hon’ble Minister Ren Pintso Namgyal Lepcha, Hon’ble MLA Renue Pamin Lepcha, Ren Chewang Norbu Lepcha (Chairman of the Primitive Welfare Board and President of RMRT), executive members of RMRK and RMRT, other respected dignitaries, Lepcha students from NBBGC Tadong and SGC Burtuk, along with the Ren Renues of Pachey Kyong.

The programme consisted of traditional rituals performed by Rev. Boongthings, followed by various cultural and literary events, reflecting the rich heritage and spiritual traditions of the Lepcha community.

During the programme, Hon’ble Minister Ren Pintso Namgyal Lepcha emphasised the importance of nature and environmental preservation, highlighting it as a vital root of Lepcha identity. He also stressed the need to raise mental health awareness among the youth.

Hon’ble MLA Renue Pamin Lepcha encouraged the initiatives of SLYA and strongly advocated for greater participation of girls and women in organisational activities, while also sharing her vision on creating a supportive and inclusive environment.

The Sikkim Lepcha Youth Association expresses its heartfelt gratitude to all the Rumkups for their presence, support, and active participation, which made the programme a grand success.

11/03/2026

We warmly welcome everyone to witness the Indigenous Festival of Rong Sukdum—Muk Zek Ding Rum Faat—on 13 March at 10:00 a.m., at Pangthang.
Join us to celebrate nature’s beauty and honor Mother Nature through the Lepcha cultural tradition.

23/02/2026

Achullay Rongsukdum🇱🇻 The Akhil Sikkim Khas Chettri Bahun Kalyan Sangh (ASKCBKS) will confer the prestigious “Sikkim Gaurav Sammaan 2026” upon Padma Shri Ms. Keepu Tsering Lepcha, Founder of the Human Development Foundation of Sikkim during its 31st Foundation Day celebration at Goli Ground, Rangpo on 26th February 2026.
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18/02/2026

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” ... All the best dearest students of WCC batches of 2025-2026 (Class X &Xll)
Regards from SLYA (CEC)

07/02/2026

We are proud to have you as our MP Rajya Sabha representing Sikkim and legitimate demands of Sikkimese people.

02/02/2026

Congratulations Ing Dr. Lavomit Lepcha.. We the SIKKIM LEPCHA YOUTH ASSOCIATION are proud of your achievement.. Keep Inspiring and Shining.. Aachulay

Dr Lavomit Lepcha, daughter of Late Dup Tshering Lepcha and Late Kingsal Lepcha, hailing from the village of Singhik-Sentam in North Sikkim, has successfully defended her doctoral thesis entitled “British Residency in Sikkim: A Study of the Colonial Control System in an Indian Native State, 1889–1947” on 28 January 2026 at Assam University. The research was carried out under the supervision of the eminent historian Professor Sajal Nag and Dr Habibullah Majumdhar.

She completed her primary education at Singhik Secondary Government School and her higher secondary education at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Phodong. She earned her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in History from Government College, Tadong, and subsequently obtained her Master’s degree in History from North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong. Thereafter, she successfully topped the entrance examination and was admitted as a doctoral research scholar at Assam University.

Dr Lepcha has qualified the National Eligibility Test (NET) in History and has been awarded the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) by the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), New Delhi.

During the course of her doctoral research, she actively participated in numerous national and international seminars, conferences, and workshops and undertook research projects at both national and state levels. She has also published a research paper based on her doctoral work in a UGC CARE-listed journal, thereby making a valuable contribution to academic scholarship in the field of colonial and regional history.

She expresses her profound gratitude to her beloved Godparents, David Crawford and Debbi Crawford, as well as to her younger brother Punol Lepcha, her sister Diki Dzongmu Lepcha, and to her family and village community for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout her academic journey. She dedicates this thesis to them. She also fondly remembers her late parents with deep reverence and affection, whose blessings continue to guide and inspire her.

Dr Lepcha was also among the few students selected by the Embassy of Japan to participate in the IRIS Programme in Tokyo, which focused on exploring how Northeast India can play a significant role in strengthening relations between India, Japan, and other Asian countries.