Sikkim: Renowned folk artiste Sonam Tshering Lepcha passes away

Renowned musician, lyricist, and composer from Sikkim, Sonam Tshering Lepcha passed away.

He was born in Kalimpong but he spent most of his life in Sikkim. He contributed tremendously to the folk music genre and was well known and appreciated for reviving the Lepcha folk culture with his compositions of song, dance and drama.

Lepcha dedicated his life to the revival and preservation of Lepcha art, culture and heritage and his contributions to this and to Sikkim will not be forgotten. Lepcha received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1995 and was honoured with the Padma Shri, the highest civilian award by the Government of India, in 2007 for his contributions to folk music.

Also read: Arunachal Pradesh: Two arrested for allegedly raping minors in Diyun

Former Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. “May the almighty give them the strength to weather the pain of losing Lepcha and may his soul rest in peace,” Pawan Chamling.

He is the first among Lepcha people to air his voice on All India Radio and is credited with the revival of Lepcha culture, one of the indigenous cultures of the Indian state of Sikkim. He is reported to be credited with over 400 folk songs, 102 folk dances and 10 dance dramas.

Readers like you make Inside Northeast’s work possible.

To support our brand of fearless and investigative journalism, support us HERE.

Download:

The Inside Northeast app HERE for News, Views, and Reviews from Northeast India.

Do keep following us for news on-the-go. We deliver the Northeast.