MANGAN: The Inception Workshop on the Documentation of Ru-Saom (traditional cane bridge) was held on Friday at the Training cum Knowledge Sharing Centre, MLAS Building, Hee Gyathang in Dzongu. The programme was organised by the Science and Technology Department, Government of Sikkim.
The programme was attended by Up-Adhakshya Ms Sonam Kipa Bhutia, Chairman, Primitive Tribe Welfare Board cum President RMDT Mr Chewang Lepcha, ADC Development Dr Sonam Rinchen Lepcha, SDM Mangan Mr Gideon Lepcha, BDO Dzongu Dr Mahindra Tamang, Assistant Scientific Officer Mr Rajdeep Gurung, Senior Consultant Ms Jenny Bentley, Zilla and Gram Panchayat members of Dzongu Constituency, stakeholders, and officials of the concerned line departments.
The programme began with a traditional Rum Faat performed by a Boongthing (Lepcha shaman), followed by a brief introduction of the project by Assistant Scientific Officer Mr Rajdeep Gurung, who highlighted the importance of documenting Ru-Saom as a means to preserve and safeguard traditional knowledge for future generations.
Ms Jenny Bentley presented the UNESCO inscription criteria for selection, stating that Ru-Saom embodies intangible cultural heritage of humanity through its cultural significance, diversity, and expression of human creativity. She emphasised that safeguarding measures, community participation with informed consent, and prior inclusion in the state and national cultural heritage registry are essential prerequisites for the process.
Two committees were formed during the programme and discussions were held on the active involvement of the community. Both technical and traditional aspects of the project were deliberated upon, and participants emphasised that the documentation remain a valid and credible representation of their tradition. They also extended their collective support for the process and conveyed gratitude to the Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and Minister, Science and Technology cum Area MLA, Pintso Namgyal Lepcha for their guidance and steady support.
Up-Adhyaksha Ms Sonam Kipa Bhutia, in her address, highlighted the importance of the project and acknowledged the efforts of the organising team. She assured her full support to ensure that the initiative receives the aid it requires and urged the community to work together for its success. She also expressed gratitude to the knowledge keepers and builders whose creativity helped reconnect the people during the difficult times following the GLOF in October 2023.
The workshop marked a significant milestone for Dzongu constituency, with a collective understanding that the preservation and documentation of Ru-Saom is essential for safeguarding cultural identity and passing on this invaluable knowledge to generations ahead.
- IPR Report
