Dharamshala: The President of Central Tibetan Administration Dr Lobsang Sangay expressed deep condolences over the demise of Nar Bahadur, Former Chief Minister of Sikkim. Shri Nar Bahadur Bhandari breathed his last on 16 July at Primus Hospital in Delhi, after a prolonged illness. He was 77.
President Dr Sangay said, “I, on behalf of Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan people, offer my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of Shri Nar Bahadur Bhandari and the people of Sikkim for the profound loss.
“A visionary and people’s leader, Nar Bhandari was known as the ‘Architect of the State’ for his unparalleled contribution to the social and political welfare of Sikkim. Under his leadership, Sikkim achieved free education from elementary to graduate level, 100% rural electrification, health care centres and linking roads to all major villages of Sikkim.”
“Bahadur will be especially remembered by the Tibetan people for his leadership in hosting the 17th Kalachakra empowerment in Sikkim, Gangtok in April 1993.
“The passing away of Shri Bhandari is an irreparable loss to the people of Sikkim. I join with you in spirit as you observe a seven day State mourning from 17 July to 23 July 2017,” President Dr Sangay said.
Shri Nar Bahadur Bhandari was born on 5 October 1940 in Malbasey village near Soreng West Sikkim. He served as a School Teacher for some years and later rose to become the Chief Minister of the State in three different terms (1979, 1984 and 1989). He is survived by his wife Smt Dil Kumari Bhandari, who is also a former Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Sikkim, three daughters and a son.
In 1984, he served briefly as Member of Parliament from Sikkim constituency in the eighth Lok Sabha as an independent candidate.