The 122nd birth anniversary of renowned Limboo historian, writer, linguist and philosopher Iman Singh Chemjong was observed with great literary and cultural fervour at the Auditorium of Sancha Man Limboo Government College, Arigaon, Gyalshing, today. The programme was organised by Yakthung Sapsok Saplon Chumbho Sukhim (YSSC Sukhim).
Minister for Buildings & Housing and Labour Departments, Shri Bhim Hang Limboo, attended the event as Chief Guest, accompanied by Dr Indra Hang Subba, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), along with chairpersons, advisors, OSDs, senior government officials, elected representatives, literary figures, members of YSSC and Limboo community members from across the State.
The annual Chemjong Jayanti is marked by Limboo literature-based activities, with the highlight being the conferment of the Iman Singh Chemjong Literary Award. For the year, the award was presented to Shri Indra Kumar Limboo, poet, writer and lyricist from Lower Baluthang, Gyalshing District, while the Special Chemjong Award was conferred upon Shri Ashok Kumar Tsong, former MLA and social activist, in recognition of his contributions to society and culture.
Virtual literary competitions in story writing, essay and poetry were also organised as part of the celebration. Winners of the competitions recited their works during the programme. On the occasion, YSSC Sukhim released six books and magazines along with a video titled “Echoes of Bali Hang Tongnam.”
Addressing the gathering, Dr Indra Hang Subba urged the youth to actively participate in the preservation, promotion and development of the Limboo language, culture and literature. He highlighted that the sincere, dedicated and selfless works of Iman Singh Chemjong laid a strong foundation for safeguarding the community’s distinct cultural identity, and said that his scholarly contributions should continue to inspire future generations. Dr Subba further stressed that community-based literary advancement must go hand in hand with socio-economic development, talent enhancement and skill-building, and suggested organising knowledge-based talks by subject experts for the benefit of the community. He also appreciated YSSC Sukhim for its role as a frontal organisation in the Limboo literary sphere and assured continued support in addressing community-related issues in coordination with the government.
During the programme, Shri Lall Hang Limboo, Sub Editor of YSSC Sukhim, presented a brief life sketch and literary journey of Iman Singh Chemjong. The awardees were introduced by Shri Kundan Limboo, Vice President of YSSC Sukhim, and Shri B.L. Sawaden, Jury Member.
Expressing gratitude, Shri Ashok Kumar Tsong thanked YSSC Sukhim for the honour and lauded the organisation’s efforts in promoting the Limboo language on par with other regional languages. He also called for unity within the community for its overall development. Shri Indra Kumar Limboo, while accepting the award, said the recognition added to his responsibility and encouraged him to continue serving Limboo literature with greater dedication.
Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Shri Raju Limboo, President of YSSC Sukhim, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Shri Amal Singh Limboo, Treasurer.
Born on January 1, 1904, at Kalimpong, Iman Singh Chemjong devoted his life to the research, documentation and preservation of the Limboo language, Sirijunga script, Limboo history and Mundhum. His lifelong scholarly contributions elevated the Limboo language to the level of Ph.D. academic studies and continue to inspire the community and society at large.
