Northeast Desk, 5th October: On the occasion of Late Shri Nar Bahadur Bhandari’s birth anniversary, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang paid homage to the state’s second Chief Minister, remembering his transformative role in shaping Sikkim’s history. Bhandari, born on October 5, 1940, served as Chief Minister from *1979 to 1994 and was instrumental in advancing the state’s development and cultural identity.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, CM Tamang lauded Bhandari’s lifelong dedication to the welfare of the people, emphasizing his visionary leadership. A key achievement during Bhandari’s tenure was the successful *inclusion of the Nepali language in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, a move that safeguarded the rights of the Nepali-speaking community and enhanced their cultural standing across India.
“Our government observes ‘Shri Bhandari Jayanti’ as a tribute to his enduring legacy,” Tamang wrote. He also used the occasion to announce the launch of the Nar Bahadur Bhandari Fellowship Scheme, designed to provide exceptional students from Sikkim with opportunities to pursue higher education in some of the world’s most prestigious universities.
The tribute and the new fellowship underscore Bhandari’s lasting influence on Sikkim, as his legacy continues to inspire new generations in the state.