Gyalshing, June 9: A unique symbol of community participation and collective development took shape in Sikkim on Tuesday with the inauguration of the Labour of Love (LoL) Park, also known as Shramdhan Park, at the Rimbi riverside under 11-Rimbi Tingbrum Gram Panchayat Unit (GPU) in Gyalshing district.
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| Students perform traditional cultural dances during the inauguration of the Labour of Love (LoL) Park at Rimbi in Gyalshing district on Tuesday. (DIO Gngtok) |
The park, developed through voluntary contributions and the collective efforts of people from across the state, was inaugurated by Rural Development, Panchayati Raj Institutions and Cooperation Minister Arun Upreti. Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister and Yuksam-Tashiding MLA Tshering T. Bhutia attended the programme as Guest of Honour, while MLA-cum-Advisor to the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department Sudesh Kumar Subba was present as Special Guest.
The event drew the participation of senior government officials, elected representatives, advisors, district administration officials, panchayat members and a large number of local residents.
The newly inaugurated park features a range of public facilities, including a Children's Park, Wellness Park, Shramdhan Photo Corner, Monitoring and Facilitation Room, Compost Pit, Community Toilet and a Water ATM providing safe drinking water. A ceremonial tree plantation programme was also conducted to mark the occasion.
A publication documenting the success stories of the Shramdhan initiative was released during the programme, followed by a video presentation showcasing the transformation of the site and the collective efforts that led to the park's creation.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Arun Upreti described the inauguration as a historic achievement for Sikkim. He noted that an area once affected by flash floods had been transformed into a vibrant public space through community participation and shared commitment. He said the project demonstrated that even the most challenging locations could be developed successfully when people work together with a common purpose.
The minister highlighted the importance of the park in promoting health, wellness and recreation while encouraging other Gram Panchayat Units across the state to replicate similar community-driven initiatives. He also stressed the need for cleanliness and responsible waste management, calling for greater public participation in maintaining public spaces.
Referring to Sikkim's growing tourism sector, Upreti expressed confidence that the Labour of Love Park would emerge as a major attraction for both tourists and local residents. He said the initiative reflected the state's broader vision of sustainable development and community empowerment.
Tourism Minister Tshering T. Bhutia praised the project as a landmark achievement and a model of participatory development. He credited the success of the initiative to the leadership of Panchayat President Mangal Rai and the collective efforts of panchayat members, self-help groups, government departments and local residents.
Bhutia informed the gathering that a publication documenting the Shramdhan initiative had been presented to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, who appreciated the work undertaken by the GPU and expressed interest in interacting with the team in the future.
He said community-driven projects foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among residents and can serve as a model for future development initiatives across the state. He also highlighted the park's potential to strengthen rural tourism and generate economic opportunities for local communities.
District Collector Tenzing D. Denzongpa lauded the 11-Rimbi Tingbrum GPU for transforming a community vision into reality. He emphasised the important role of Panchayati Raj Institutions in grassroots development and praised the spirit of voluntary service that shaped the project.
The district administration also highlighted several developmental initiatives being undertaken across Gyalshing district, with officials expressing confidence that successful community-based models such as the Labour of Love Park could be replicated elsewhere.
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During the programme, the GPU felicitated Ministers Arun Upreti and Tshering T. Bhutia, along with District Collector Tenzing D. Denzongpa and Additional District Collector (Development) Surat Gurung, in recognition of their support and contributions to the project.
Panchayat President Mangal Rai, while outlining the journey of the initiative, thanked all individuals and organisations that contributed financially or physically towards the park's development. Special appreciation was also extended to HRDP-HDFC Parivartan for its support.
The event concluded with cultural performances by students representing Bhutia, Lepcha, Nepali, Rai and Tamang communities, celebrating Sikkim's rich cultural diversity and the spirit of unity that inspired the Labour of Love Park project.
Seen as a model of community participation, the Labour of Love Park stands as a testament to what can be achieved through voluntary service, local leadership and collective action, while offering a new recreational and tourism destination in western Sikkim.
