“Good Job Mr. Chamling for creating such a beautiful place.” President of India

GANGTOK, April 17, 2013

The moment President Pranab Mukherjee set foot at Namchi helipad here
on April 16, he was driven to nearby Solophok to inaugurate Siddhesvara Dham and dedicate the same to the nation.

President Mukherjee, accompanied by Sikkim Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh and Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, also offered prayers at the four Dhams that comprise the Siddhesvara Dham.

Constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 116.75 crores, the complex was open to public on November 8, 2011 after a consecration ceremony performed by Jagadguru Shankaracharya Shawmi Swarupanand Ji Maharaj.

This iconic and innovative pilgrimage and rural tourism project, Sidheshwar Dham has been crafted by recreating the spiritual landscape of India in South Sikkim.

The pilgrimage complex is adorned by a massive 108 feet statue of Lord President Mukherjee unveiling the plaque to inaugurate the Siddeshwara Dham, at Solophok, Namchi, South Sikkim on April 16.

The Governor BP Singh and the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling are also seen President Pranab Mukherjee addressing the foundation stone laying ceremony of Sikkim University at Manan Kendra on April 16 Shiva in sitting posture encircled by the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines and exact replicas of the Char Dhams (Badrinath, Dwarka, Jagannath Puri, and Rameshwaram).

It may also be mentioned here that the initiative bagged the ‘Most Innovative and Unique Tourism Project Award 2010-11’ for the vision and construction of a world class Pilgrimage cum Cultural Tourism Complex.

Speaking on the occasion, a visible happy President congratulated the chief minister not only for his visionary work in bringing all four Dhams under one roof, but also for giving Sikkim a unique identity of its own.

The President who was very vocal about the good job which Chamling has done by conceptualizing and creating such a remarkable and beautiful complex, stated “Good Job Mr. Chamling for creating such a beautiful place.” which was loudly applauded by the gathering of host of dignitaries present there, reads the IPR release.

Citing the examples of Lord Jesus, Buddha and other religious gods, who worked as reformists in the society with only one motto to service of mankind and spread love, peace and harmony, the President said that the chief minister through his works has proved to become a reformists like these gods by working solely for the welfare of his people.

He said that Chamling has brought the Sikkimese people of all communities from all religions together by providing them equal rights and opportunities in the State.

The chief minister while welcoming the President on behalf of the Sikkimese people, said that the State is blessed with his presence and looked forward to the visit of the President in Sikkim in future again.

He also presented the details of Char Dham project. Chamling, as per an IPR release, also believed that these sorts of pilgrimage centers will bond Sikkim with the rest of the nation in cultural as well as emotional ties.

“Sikkim became a part of the India Union in 1975 and we are proud of being Indian, culturally, emotionally, spiritually and intellectually, he added.

The President was earlier accorded a warm reception at Namchi Helipad by Governor BP Singh, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, ChiefSecretaryRinchen Ongmu, DGP Sikkim Police Jasbir Singh, SP South Sonam Gyatso and DC South Prabhaka and at Char Dham by the Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Chairpersons, and official dignitaries.

On reaching Gangtok, the President visited Mahatma Gandhi Marg and offered scarves on the bust of Mahatma Gandhi.

(Courtesy: Sikkim Express)