04/12/2025
On the auspicious occasion of Teyongsi Sirijunga Sawan Tongnam, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of Sikkim and the Limbu community across the globe.
Today, we joyously commemorate the birth anniversary of the revered 18th-century Limbu scholar, historian, educator, and reformer — Mahatma Teyongsi Sirijunga Xin Thebe.
Teyongsi Sirijunga stands as an eternal symbol of knowledge, courage, and the protection of cultural identity. His unwavering dedication to reviving the Sirijunga script, preserving the ancient traditions of Mundhum (Yumaism and animism), and promoting education continues to inspire generations.
To immortalise his enormous contributions, we established the Mahatma Sirijunga Teyongsi Complex during the Sikkim Democratic Front government. The centrepiece is a majestic 36-foot-tall statue of Teyongsi Sirijunga, inaugurated on 3 December 2017 on the occasion of his 313th birth anniversary. Located at Yumang Thegu, Hee-Kengbari in West Sikkim, it is recognised as the second-tallest statue of its kind in the world. The Complex also houses a dedicated Study Centre for the preservation and promotion of the Limbu language, culture, traditions, and heritage — a truly fitting tribute to this great scholar and visionary. We also declared his birth anniversary a government holiday to preserve his legacy for posterity.
On this sacred day, let us honour the life and legacy of the scholar, reformer and visionary. His teachings remind us to proudly embrace our heritage, steadfastly safeguard our traditions, and march forward with unity, mutual respect, and unwavering pride in our unique culture.