Aathing Sando Tshering Tamsang Traditional Lepcha Archery Contest 09 April 2011

Aathing Sando Tshering Tamsang Traditional Lepcha Archery Contest was held on 09 April 2011at Lower Bom, Kalimpong. It was organised by the Indigenous Lepcha Tribal Association,Headquarters Kalimpong. Aathing Sando Tshering Tamsang was the Founder President of Indigenous Lepcha Tribal Association, Headquarters Kalimpong in 1925. Owing to his vision and far--sightendness, today, the original indigenous Lepcha tribes of Darjeeling Hills, West Bengal, have a very strong sense of direction, unity, dignity and pride in their cultural heritage. In fond memory of Aathing Sando Tshering Tamsang, the Annual Traditional Lepcha Archery Contest is dedicated. The aim and objective of the contest is:

1.To encourage the Lepcha youths, both male and female, to take traditional Lepcha archery

     as a sport and do well in the national and international archery contest.

2. To preserve the tradition and culture of the indigenous Lepcha tribes.

3. To bring and unite the Lepcha youths from all walks of life under one roof.

The Chief Guest of the  day was Ren Tendup Tshering Lama of Kurseong.  The Native English Language Teachers ( AVs),11 of them, currently working and teaching English in the Lepcha Night Schools in remote Lepcha villages, Kalimpong, also  participated in the contest.

  The following Lepcha Association teams were declared the winners:-

1st - (Champion Trophy and Rs.5000.00 cash prize)

2nd - ( Rs.3000.00 cash prize and a Trophy)

3rd - ( Rs.2000.00 cash prize and a Trophy)

Sharp Shooter of the day - ( Rs.1000.00 and a Trophy)

The Native English Language Teachers from England were presented with Lepcha souvenirs. The Annual Aathing Sando Tshering Tamsang Traditional Lepcha Archery Contest on 09 April 2011 was a grand success.

A Staff Reporter