THE OLD SETTLERS OF SIKKIM

OBITUARY: Kunga Gyatso Bhutia

Remembering a Life Well Lived

Late Mr. Kunga Gyatso Bhutia was born on 20 June, 1951 in Gangtok, Sikkim. He did his graduation in Bachelor of Science [Agriculture] for which he was awarded the gold medal for topping the university. He did his post graduation in Master of Science [Agriculture] with distinction. He also participated in several international training courses, including ones in University of Philippines and in Virginia in U.S.A.
He joined the Sikkim Government services in 1972 as Technical Research Assistant and seerved as Agriculture Extension Officer, RPO, Plant Breeder, Joint Director, Additional Director & Director in Agriculture Department; as Principal Director in Horticulture Department; as Secretary in Department of Science & Technology, and retired as Secretary, Irrigation & Flood Control Department, Government of Sikkim on 30 June, 2009.
He started the first mushroom cultivation in Sikkim; introduced cabbage cultivation in Lachung, intensified seed potato cultivation, established base data for agricultural development and strengthened development of field crops in Sikkim being in agriculture; provided concept, action plan and initiation in respect of organic farming in the State; brought a breakthrough in floriculture and off-season vegetable development activities, including green house and participatory technologies; tried to promote science & technology and in effecting State Science Museum; reformed the activities of irrigation and flood control programmes, introducing Participatory Irrigation Management and formation of Water Users Associations and in drafting State Water Policy.
He is also associated with the publication of several scientific papers published in national and international journals and periodicals. He edited the bimonthly Krishi Samachar of Agriculture Department, Government of Sikkim and was engaged as the Chief Editor of Sikkim Science Society Newsletter for the initial five years.
He also brought out many books, such as Crop Area Statistics of Sikkim [a survey-based technical book brought out in 1992]; Land Utilization Statistics of Sikkim [a survey-based technical book brought out in 1996]; A Himalayan Bouquet [a literary, poetic work in English, brought out by UBSPD in 2001]; A poem is selected by The International Library of Poetry, U.S.A., and brought out under a compilation, titled Roomful of Starlight in 2002; Binding Undulations of Sikkim [a literary, poetic work in English, brought out by UBSPD in 2004]; a poem in the Sikkim Akademi’s compilation, titled Himavarta, souvenir of Seventh World Poetry Day in 2006; Cliché of Awareness [a literary, poetic work in English, brought out by UBSPD in 2007]; Dream of Complacency [a literary, poetic work in English, brought out by UBSPD in 2011] and Florid Haiku and Pseudo Haiku which is dated to be released by UBSPD in the month of February, 2012.
He has also won many awards and honours. In Academics, he won the Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial Gold Medal for topping the H.P. University in 1972. In Profession, he is the recipient of the Bharat Excellence Award from the Friendship Forum of India in 1997. In Literature, he is the recipient of the Editor’s Choice Award February 2002 from the poetry.com and the International Library of Poetry, U.S.A. [for poetry in English]; Commendation by the Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Gangtok, Sikkim in 2002 for contribution in literature; Winner of the International Poet of Merit Award for 2002 presented by the International Library of Poetry, U.S.A. [for poetic works in English]; Recipient of the Editor’s Choice Award March 2003 from the poetry.com and the International Library of Poetry, U.S.A. [for poetry in English] and Recipient of the “Best Poet of the Year 2003” Award, presented by the Poets International, Bangalore, India [for poetic works in English].

Shri Kunga Gyatso Bhutia passed away on 02/02/2012, after a brief illness of Cancer. His funeral was performed on 08/02/2012 at Dicheling, Chandmari. The funeral was attended by hundereds of well wishers, family members, relatives and office collegues, Ministers, Chief Whip to the Government of Sikkim, MLAs, former Chief Secretary, former Secretaries, etc., who bid tearful Adieu to Shri Bhutia.
Shri Bhutia also participated in the High Level Team delegation led by Hon’ble Chief Minister to Holland [Netherland] in the year 2006 regarding International Floriculture Show.
With the demise of Late Shri Kunga Gyatso Bhutia, the people of Sikkim have lost a man of great personality, a bureaucrat, a poet extra ordinaire, an expert and pioneer in the field of Agriculture and Horticulture of Sikkim. He is survived by his wife Dauden Bhutia, one daughter Pema Laden, two sons Sangay Chophel and Dorji Namgay, son-in-law Tenzing D. Denzongpa, two daughter-in-laws Linda Palmo and Stepheny and one grand-daughter Yosel Zangmula.

( Kunga Gyasto and I were class friends since childhood. With his death, I lost a great frend. May his Soul rest in Peace.)