Thousands gathered in North Bengal and the Darjeeling hills on Monday to pay their final respects to singer Prashant Tamang, the winner of Indian Idol Season 3, as his body was returned from New Delhi. Tamang, who gained national prominence after his 2007 victory on the reality show, passed away on Sunday morning in Delhi due to a cardiac arrest. He was 42 years old.
His mortal remains arrived at Bagdogra Airport around 9:25 AM on an IndiGo flight from New Delhi, where an outpouring of grief was evident as fans, political leaders, and members of the music and film industries gathered to honor him. Among those present were Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) chief executive Anit Thapa, and Ajoy Edwards, leader of the Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front. Former Indian Idol contestants, including Meiyang Chang, also joined the funeral procession.
From the airport, the body was transported by road to Darjeeling via National Highway 110, arriving in the hill town around 5 PM. Along the route, mourners gathered at several sites, including Salbari, Sukna, and Kurseong, to offer floral tributes and traditional khadas.
In Darjeeling, a condolence program was held at Chowrasta, the town’s main square, where butter lamps were lit and prayers were offered. Many in the crowd sang songs in Tamang’s memory. The GTA facilitated the transport from Delhi as well as the condolence events. Tamang is scheduled to be cremated at Alubari Monastery on Tuesday around 11 AM.
Political leaders from various parties paid tribute, with Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung describing Tamang’s 2007 victory as a proud moment for the entire Gorkha community. Bista referred to him as “an iconic Gorkha youth” whose rise from the Darjeeling hills to the national stage inspired millions. He expressed sadness over the loss, stating, “Prashant mesmerized the world with his voice, humility, and simplicity. He carried the hopes and aspirations of an entire community onto the global stage, making every Gorkha proud.”
Thapa noted that Tamang had become a unifying figure for Gorkhas worldwide. “Prashant was the voice that began to blow the second trumpet of Gorkha identity,” he said, emphasizing the singer’s impact on both Indian and global Gorkhas. The day’s tributes showcased the profound influence Tamang had, reflected in the faces of the hundreds who lined the roads to pay their respects.
Born on January 4, 1983, in Darjeeling, Prashant Tamang released several music albums after his Indian Idol victory and also pursued acting. His appearances included the Nepali film ‘Gorkha Paltan,’ the Indian web series ‘Paatal Lok’ (Season 2), and the Salman Khan star vehicle ‘Battle of Galwan.’
Original Source: https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/prashant-tamangs-body-reaches-darjeeling-thousands-pay-last-respects
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