PADMA SHREE - Shri Gadul Singh Lama (Sanu Lama)

Shri Gadul Singh Lama, popularly known as Sanu Lama in the literary circle was born to late Chandaman Ghising and late Mrs. Phulmaya Ghising at Gangtok on June 15, 1939.

He had his early education at Sir Tashi Namgyal High School in Gangtok from where he did his Matriculation in 1956. From his early age he was a brilliant student and took part in all extra-curriculum activities of the school. At that time when Sikkim was in the midst of its first seven years Development Plan and as in other parts of the country there was dearth of technical persons in Sikkim. With a view to generate more manpower to man and oversee various developmental projects, Mr. Lama along with other educated youths was sent to MBC Institute of Engineering, Burdwan, West Bengal from where he obtained Diploma in Civil Engineering in 1959.

His passion for literary activities started with writing short stories and essays while he was in the school. He was highly inspired by his learned and revered teacher late Rashmi Prasad Allay. A number of his literary articles, mainly short stories, have been published in various Nepali magazines like; Diyalo, Himalok, Diyo, Malingo, Prakriya, Srashta, Kanaka etc. His short stories are also translated into Hindi, Urdu, Assamese, Oriya and English etc.

Mr. Lama is one of the most popular and widely read Nepali writers in the country. His stories are set in the natural social and political background of the villages of Sikkim. The simplicity of the village life and the struggle between the rich and the poor are tactfully woven in his stories. The structures and composition of short stories by Mr. Lama never fails to fire the imagination of his readers. His depiction of the rural life of Sikkim, the feeling of common bonds in the society and the unity in diversity among the rural people reflect the writer’s broad vision and understanding of the socio-cultural aspect of the people. His characteristic depiction of nature and natural surroundings has also contributed to his popularity. His selection of characters, names, plots, places, their environment and their psychological aspects define his specific thematic approach.

Books written by Mr. Sanu Lama are outstanding model of creativity in the Nepali language. The originally of approach, deep analysis of the human heart in the backdrop of nature, the depiction of the world of memories, the unveiling of the pathos of reality and the commitment to high moral values are some of the qualities that have earned the author and his work love and respect. With its variety of characters his books hold a true mirror to average Indian life and culture, and have, thus enriched Indian literature.

Sanu Lama has, so far, in his credit three short story collection (I) Katha Sampad, (ii) Monika and (iii) Mrigatrishna, one novel (Himalchuli Manitira), one travelogue (Aangan Paratira), a collection of lyrical poems (Jahan bagchha Tista Rangit), a couple of translation works namely (i) Bhagawan Buddha Jeewan ra Darshan and ( ii) Guru Padmasambhava.

Awards:

1. Bhanu Puraskar of Sikkim in 1991 for outstanding and valuable contribution in the development of Nepali language and literature.

2. Certificate of Merit awarded by Pan American Sanitation Bureau in Costa Rica in 1983 for his engineering skill in Rural Water Supply and Rural Sanitation works in Sikkim.

3. Sahitya Akademi Award New Delhi in 1993 for Mrigatrishna, collection of short stories.

4. Dr. Shova Kanti Thegim Smriti Puraskar (2001) for the novel Himalchuli Manitira.

5. Madan Byakhyanmala Puraskar, Varanasi (2000) for his long and outstanding contribution for the development ofNepali literature.

6. In the year 2005 he had received 4th Highest Civilian Award of India Padma Shri from the hand of President of India Dr. A.P.J. Kalam.

As a founder Secretary of Bharatiya Nepali Rastriya Parishad, Mr. Lama has championed the cause of the constitutional recognition of Nepali language. He is the Editorial Advisor (Nepali) of National Book Trust, India, New Delhi. At present Mr. G.S. Lama is General Secretary of the Sikkim Akademi, an autonomous body established by the Government of Sikkim for the development of Sikkirnese culture and literature, to foster and co-ordinate literary and artistic activities and promote cultural unity of the State and the Nation.

Mr. G.S. Lama retired as Chief Engineer after 38 years of long and meritorious service in the State Government.