Ahead of the 2024 state assembly polls, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang initiated a transformative project by laying the foundation stone for the Lhatsun Chenpo Centre at Simik Lingzey, under the Singtam Khamdong constituency. The ceremony witnessed the esteemed presence of the 12th Chamgon Kenting Tai Situ Rinpoche and the 10th Kyabje Tinkey Gonjang Rinpoche. Sonam Lama, Minister for Rural Development and Ecclesiastical Department, emphasized the significance and urgency of establishing the Lhatsun Chenpo statue in Sikkim, underlining it as a pivotal initiative guided by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang’s vision. Lama disclosed plans for a monumental endeavor amounting to 100 crore rupees, encompassing three distinctive projects: the Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo project, the Phuntsog Namgyal project, and another project in a separate village.
With the blessings of Tai Situ Rinpoche, who graced the occasion and conducted the Bhumi Pujan, the center is poised to enhance not only the spiritual well-being of Sikkim’s residents but also its tourism sector. Lama anticipates a significant increase in tourist footfall, both domestically and internationally, particularly in the Khamdong–Singtam Assembly constituency, offering avenues for economic development and cultural exchange.
The Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo Centre, sprawling across 7.92 acres with an estimated cost of 43.59 crore rupees, stands as a testament to Sikkim’s dedication to preserving its Buddhist heritage. Phase I of the project will witness the establishment of a center dedicated to Buddhism and Buddhist craftsmanship, alongside the erection of a towering 50-foot statue of Lhatsun Chenpo. Additionally, the project aims to replicate four sacred caves in Sikkim, enriching the spiritual landscape of the region.
