Citizens of Sikkim have extended a helping hand to families affected by the devastating floods that struck Nepal on Bhadra 10, contributing Rs 715,104 to the relief campaign being conducted by the Thamel Tourism Development Council (TTDC). The amount, collected through a joint initiative of the Organization of Musicians and Artists of Sikkim (OMAS) and the Dirty Angels Motorcycle Club (DAMC), Gangtok, was formally handed over to the Council during a special program held at the TTDC meeting hall. The Council said the entire amount will be deposited into the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund to support relief efforts for families affected by the floods.
Relief Campaign Conducted in Sikkim
The fundraising campaign was organized in Sikkim on September 1 and 2, with OMAS and DAMC bringing together citizens and supporters to raise funds for flood-affected communities in Nepal. The initiative has been described as a reflection of the strong people-to-people relationship between Nepal and Sikkim, particularly during times of crisis. The contribution was formally presented to the Thamel Tourism Development Council in Kathmandu, where representatives and dignitaries from Sikkim participated in the handover ceremony.
Sikkim Dignitaries Join Handover Ceremony
The program was attended by several prominent representatives from Sikkim and Nepal. Among the high-profile attendees were Tschering Wangchuk Lepcha, Additional Political Secretary to the Chief Minister of Sikkim and Founder Member of DAMC and OMAS; Pemba Choppel Bhutia, Statistical Officer at the Labour Department, Government of Sikkim and Founder Member of DAMC; Kesang Norgay Sherpa, Founder Member of DAMC; Chewang Bhutia, Youth Convenor of the SKM Party from the Kabi-Hingda Constituency of North Sikkim and Founder Member of DAMC; and Rajan Sharma, General Secretary of the Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industries. Their participation highlighted the cross-border solidarity and cooperation surrounding the relief initiative.
TTDC Calls Support a Symbol of Human Solidarity
Addressing the program, Rajuman Dangol, President of the Thamel Tourism Development Council, expressed gratitude to the people and organizations of Sikkim for their support. Dangol said the gesture of solidarity, which transcends geographical boundaries, represents a beautiful example of the longstanding emotional relationship between Nepal and Sikkim. He described the contribution as more than financial relief for flood victims, saying it sends an inspiring message that communities stand together and support one another during times of disaster. “This support is not merely relief for flood victims but also an inspiring message that we stand together with one another during times of disaster,” Dangol said.
Council Appreciates OMAS, DAMC and Donors
TTDC General Secretary Pashupati Kandel issued a statement expressing sincere gratitude to OMAS, DAMC and all individuals who contributed to the relief campaign. The Council also extended special appreciation to Kinchu Lamu Bhutia Shrestha, Treasurer of the Thamel Tourism Development Council, for playing an important role in coordinating and facilitating the fundraising campaign in Sikkim. The Council acknowledged the collective efforts of the organizations, donors and coordinators who helped make the campaign successful.
People-to-People Ties Expected to Grow Stronger
The Thamel Tourism Development Council expressed gratitude to everyone who extended support during the difficult period following the floods. The Council said the solidarity demonstrated by the people of Sikkim has further highlighted the deep emotional and people-to-people ties between Nepal and Sikkim. It expressed confidence that such humanitarian cooperation will further strengthen the relationship between the two communities in the days ahead, while contributing to greater solidarity and cooperation during future emergencies.
