K.N. Lepcha adopts zoo animal in granddaughter’s name under 'My Child From Wild'

Kunga Nima Lepcha, a respected leader and former minister of Sikkim, has adopted a zoo animal at the Himalayan Zoological Park under the state’s special campaign, “My Child From Wild.” The adoption was made in the name of his 10-year-old granddaughter, Miss Tshangyang Tshomu Lepcha, who studies at Delhi Public School, Gangtok.

This noble step is part of a community initiative launched under the guidance of Honourable Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang. The campaign encourages individuals to support animal welfare and conservation by adopting animals in the state's only zoological park.

K.N. Lepcha has committed an initial adoption amount of ₹10,000 and will continue contributing ₹4,500 every month towards the care of the adopted animal. Through this generous act, he has not only contributed to wildlife conservation but has also set a touching example of teaching children compassion through action.

Lepcha was born in 1947, when Sikkim was still a kingdom and India was on the brink of independence. His father, Late C.B. Lepcha, was a Durbar employee and also supplied firewood to the Indian Army from their family shop at 4th Mile, JN Road. He was also one of the early contributors in establishing Tathangchen School in 1961. Shri Lepcha’s mother, Late Pemkit Lepcha, served as an Omzey (prayer leader) at the Mani-Lhakhang monastery in Gangtok until her passing in 1996.

After a successful administrative career, Shri Lepcha retired in 2003 as Special Secretary. Known for being popular and efficient, he was admired for his calm approach and multilingual skills—fluent in Lepcha, Bhutia, Nepali, English, and Hindi. Many also remember him for his singing at social gatherings.

His entry into politics wasn’t planned but came from a desire to serve society. He first contested elections with the Congress party in 2004 and 2009. He later joined the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) and won the 2014 elections, though the party did not form the government. In 2019, he achieved victory from both the Gangtok and Shyari constituencies and became the Minister for Education, Sports & Youth Affairs, Land Revenue, and Disaster Management.

During his tenure, he worked hard to improve life in his constituency. He helped build roads and bridges, opened an Urban Wellness Centre and an SBS bank branch in Chongeytar, provided houses to the underprivileged, and launched health support initiatives. He also organized week-long free eye camps with Mechi Netralaya, even covering costs for 25 patients referred for further treatment.

In education, under the leadership of the Chief Minister, Lepcha implemented the National Education Policy, worked towards teacher regularisation, and visited schools across the state to understand their needs. In the area of disaster management, he built strong ties with national and international agencies like NDMC, UNDP, JICA, and the Swiss Development Corporation to ensure better preparedness and response in Sikkim.

Now serving as the Working President of the SKM party, K.N. Lepcha continues to contribute to the state in meaningful ways. His recent adoption under “My Child From Wild” is not just an act of charity—it is a symbol of values he holds dear: love for family, care for the environment, and a sense of social responsibility.