On the invitation of the Tamang Development and Cultural Board, West Bengal Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee was present in their First Foundation Day Celebration in Kalimpong on September 15, 2015.
The Board was formed by West Bengal Government in July, 2014.
It was a very colourful show with thousands of participants comprising various indigenous people of the hills turning out in their traditional attire and performing their traditional arts.
The Tamang community conferred on WB CM the title “Nalsang Dolma” (The Goddess of Light).
“I feel humbled with their love and affection,” WB CM tweeted in response.
“Our government is providing support for building houses, livelihood, preservation of language and culture and development of handicrafts and traditional art forms of these people of the hills,” she further wrote on her Facebook page.
On the occasion, WB CM handed over a cheque of Rs 10 crore to Tamang Board as first installment for construction of 1000 houses.
The Chief Minister also released funds to Sherpa Board and to Bhutia Board for construction of houses for Sherpa and Bhutia communities, respectively.