Aathing K.P. Tamsang Lepcha Language and Literary Award 2010

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‘The Aathing K.P. Tamsang Lepcha Language and Literary Award’ was first set-up and
established in 1996 with the sole aim of uplifting and developing the Lepcha language and
literature in Mayel Lyang by Ren and Renyoo Lyangsong Tamsang of Bom, Kalinpong. The award is given, annually, in memory of Aathing K.P. Tamsang, a renowned Lepcha scholar, linguist and thinker who worked untiringly throughout his life for the maintenance and
development of the Lepcha language, literature and cultural heritage, to a deserving person or institution irrespective of community, creed and country.

The former recipients of the Award are as follows:

1996 - Dr R.K. Sprigg of England
            Ren Topden Salong of Dzongu, North Sikkim    ( Joint recipients )
1997 - Ren Ong Tshering Lepcha of Riyon, Kalimpong
1998 - Upper Pachaok Lepcha Night School, Kalimpong
1999 - Ren Ugen Shipmoo of Gangtok, Sikkim
2000 - ‘Dabling Lapcha Night School’, Kalimpong
2001 - ‘Lower Byong Lepcha Night School’, Kalimpong
2002 - ‘Sahaor-Om Lepcha Night School’, Lyang Sa, Kalimpong
2003 - ‘Naok Hlo Lepcha Night School’, Kalimpong
2004 - ‘Zo Lepcha Night School, Samthar’, Kalimpong
2005 - ‘Sanong Char Lepcha Night School’, Lower Mamring, Sittong, Kurseong
2006 - ‘See Loo Lepcha Night School’, Mirik, Darjeeling
2007 - ‘Prektaam Lepcha Night School’, Kalimpong
2008 - ‘St Joseph’s School, Git-Dabling, Kalimpong
2009 - ‘The Lepcha Tribal Association, IIIam, Nepal

The Aathing K.P.Tamsang Lepcha Language and Literary Award 2010 is awarded to Ren Gautam Lepcha, Mamring, Sittong for his outstanding contribution towards the conservation, maintenace and development of the Lepcha language and  literature.

To keep the record straight, Ren Gautam Lepcha is the first person to write and bring out a Lepcha novel, ‘Chyoojaong’ meaning like the Himalayas from Mamring,Sittong, Kurseong
Sub - Division, eight years ago.  It contains some superb, outstanding writings.  It flows like a river, smooth and effortless. He has blended, very successfully, the Rong tradition,culture, life style, romance and adventure in it.  It is, undoubtedly, a very interesting, entertaining and above all a thought provoking Lepcha novel.

Ren Gautam Lepcha is also a well known Lepcha poet and lyricist. His’Taarsyok kaat sagraam Rong Kup Kati’ meaning the Lepcha under one flag, a collection of poems, came out in 2004.  This book of his inspired the Lepchas, especially the Lepcha youths so much that they jointly produced a Lepcha cassettee in 2009. Most of his poems are also translated into English for wider readership.
Ren Gautam Lepcha also contributes poems and articles for the Lepcha magazines,
‘Aachuley and King Gaeboo Aahyok’ time to time.

Through his writings, he has been successful in inspiring the Lepcha to preserve, maintain and develop the ancient Lepcha language, literature and culture.

The Indigenous Lepcha Tribal Association, Headquarters Kalimpong, take this opportunity to congratulate very warmly Ren Gautam Lepcha for his love,devotion and hard work for the
preservation, maintenance and development of the Lepcha language, literature in Mayel Lyang.

      For his outstanding work and achievement in the field of Lepcha language and literature,
Ren Gautam Lepcha, Mamring,Sittong is recognised with a very prestigious award,’Aathing K.P. Tamsang Lepcha Language and Literary Award 2010’. It carried a citation and cash prize
of Rs. 17,000.00 ( Rupees seventeen thousand). This award was presented by Renyoo Mayel
Clymit Sungdyangmoo, eldest daughter-in-law of Aathing K.P. Tamsang to Ren Gautam Lepcha
on 20 December 2010 during the King Gaeboo Aahyok Birth  Anniversary at Mela Ground,
Kalimpong.