Top leaders, bureaucrats, locals bid farewell to LB Pariyar

PRADIP LOHAGUN 

KALIMPONG : Final rites of former IAS and Kalimpong Municipality Chairman LB Pariyar was held in Bhalukhop, Kalimpong. Pariyar (76), who passed away on Friday due to a massive heart attack, was given an emotional farewell with huge outpour of reverence from the people. A large crowd of well-wishers gathered for the funeral procession that began from Pariyar’s residence at the Eastman road. The procession stopped in front of the municipal office where the students’ band from SUMI performed the ‘guard of honour’ to the highly respected bureaucrat. Scores of people including political leaders, Municipality officials, and figures from social and academic fields gathered here to pay homage to Pariyar. 

GTA acting Chief Kr. Ramesh Allay, Kalimpong MLA HB Chettri, GTA member Anmol Prasad and Amar Lama were also present to pay their last respect to Pariyar. On the occasion town councilor Jayan Lepcha shed light on Pariyar’s life and his contributions. Two minutes’ silence was also observed by the mass gathering. CM Mamata Bannerjee and Sikkim CM Pawan Kumar Chamling issued their condolences on Friday, while GJM chief Bimal Gurung visited Pariyar’s residence on Saturday night to pay his last respects. Notably, LB Pariyar has the distinction of being the first IAS officer from the Gorkha community. During his tenure Pariyar served the various union and state governments offices holding top posts. After retirement Pariyar also took part in politics. He was also the Municipality Chairman in Kalimpong and was also a prominent member and coordinator of GJM’s Study Forum before he passed away.

What Nelson was to the world, Pariyar was to us: Dr. HB Chettri 

GJM spokesperson and Kalimpong MLA Dr. Harka Bahadur Chettri today compared LB Pariyar with Nelson Mandela following the demise of the two leaders. Chettri who was present at Pariyar’s funeral ceremony said, “The way Mandela’s death has ended an era for the world, Paryar’s demise has ended one for us.” Praising Pariyar for his contributions and achievements Dr. Chettri said Pariyar won pride for the Gorkha community and was an exemplary personality. Sharing his experiences while working with Pariyar in the GJM’s Study Forum, he said, “I recall the incident when the union home secretary touched his feet as a mark of respect during a meeting. 

There are many high ranking officials and individuals who got opportunity to learn from Pariyar and consider him a role model.” Chettri went on to say, “We can say that there is no other personality like Pariyar in our society. While many bureaucrats are not seen working diligently, Pariyar even at the age of 76 was as spirited as a young boy.” He further recollected “Even at that age, Pariyar would wake up as early as 4 in the morning to prepare drafts for the meeting he was scheduled to attend during the day.” Chettri said, though around 150 IAS are produced in the country it is rare that someone from a humble background goes on to achieve the distinction of being an IAS officer as Pariyar did. “Being able to fulfill his incomplete tasks and dreams will be the best homage to Pariyar” observed Chettri. 

- EOI