Samdup Lepcha adopts Red Panda ‘Songru Pundi’ through ‘My Child From Wild’ initiative for his grandson
Samdup has been at the forefront of efforts to restore roads, bridges, and essential services. His hands-on approach involves constant dialogue with the Army, BRO, Forest Department, central government agencies, and other line departments, ensuring support for communication and connectivity in North Sikkim.
LOCAL
Samdup Lepcha, a seasoned leader and current Honourable Minister for Social Welfare, Women & Child Development and Printing & Stationery Department, has once again earned the trust of the people, being re-elected in the 2024 Sikkim Legislative Assembly Elections. From beginning his career as a teacher to serving as a Panchayat of Chungthang and later establishing himself as a top-class contractor, Shri Samdup’s journey reflects versatility, adaptability, and a commitment to public service.
Representing the 31-Lachen Mangan Constituency, the largest and one of the most challenging constituencies in Sikkim, Shri Samdup navigates a terrain ranging from 3,000 ft to 28,000 ft, covering tropical valleys to cold deserts. This region, with its unique Dzumsa system, significant Army and paramilitary presence, and areas like Dongkhya-La, Lungna-La, and Lhonak Valley that remain cut off for months due to snow, poses formidable governance challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) further tested the resilience of both the people and infrastructure, bringing tourism and the local economy to a near standstill.
Samdup has been at the forefront of efforts to restore roads, bridges, and essential services. His hands-on approach involves constant dialogue with the Army, BRO, Forest Department, central government agencies, and other line departments, ensuring support for communication and connectivity in North Sikkim. Expressing gratitude to Honourable Chief Minister Shri P.S. Golay for his guidance and active involvement in disaster relief and mitigation, Shri Samdup continues to prioritize public reassurance and infrastructural restoration amid ongoing challenges posed by climate change and high-altitude glacial lakes.
Beyond governance, Shri Samdup demonstrates his commitment to conservation and community engagement. He has generously adopted Songru Pundi, a Red Panda, through the ‘My Child From Wild’ initiative on behalf of his grandson, Master Karchen Norbu Lepcha, a UKG student at Amithaba School. The program fosters public involvement, environmental awareness, and youth participation in wildlife conservation.