The 175th birth anniversary of Padri Ganga Prasad Pradhan was marked in Gangtok on Saturday, July 4, 2026, with a commemorative programme organized by the Padri Ganga Prasad Pradhan Smriti Pratisthan that honored individuals for their contributions to Nepali literature, journalism, education and music.
At the event the Pratisthan conferred the Aadi Patrakar Padri Ganga Prasad Pradhan Samman on four recipients: Summit Times editor Puran Tamang for journalism, poet Gopal Dhakal for literature, Nar Bahadur Bhandari Government College for contributions to education, and gospel singer Peter Samsher for music. Bishop Edward Baretto, selected for recognition in spirituality, was unable to attend due to health reasons; organisers said they will visit him at his residence in Darjeeling to present the award later.
Pravin Rai “Jumeli,” president of the Sikkim Akademi and the event’s resource person, spoke on Padri Pradhan’s life and legacy. Health Minister G.T. Dhungel attended as chief guest, joined by MLA Loknath Sharma, the Chief Minister’s political secretary Jacob Khaling and other dignitaries.
Speaking at the programme, Minister Dhungel congratulated the organisers and indicated that efforts would be made to hold a national-level Aadi Patrakar Padri Ganga Prasad Pradhan Jayanti next year. Pratisthan president Kamal Chamling “Kamrangey” urged the government to include Padri Pradhan’s biography in the school curriculum to ensure students learn about his contributions.
Padri Ganga Prasad Pradhan, regarded as the first pastor of the Nepali community, translated the Bible into Nepali and edited what is considered the first Nepali newspaper, Gorkhy Khabar Kagat. The annual Aadi Patrakar Padri Ganga Prasad Pradhan Jayanti celebrates his enduring impact on Nepali literature, journalism and society.
Original Source: https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/175th-padri-ganga-prasad-pradhan-jayanti-observed-in-gangtok-four-conferred-samman
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