The 5th edition of the Tendong Knowledge Series (TKS-5) was successfully held on 3 August 2026 at the SCERT Complex, Helipad, Burtuk, Gangtok, as part of the Tendong Lho Rum Faat Celebration 2026. Held under the theme “Resilient Resolve to Rise,” the programme brought together scholars, administrators, community leaders, cultural custodians, environmentalists, achievers, students and members of the Lepcha community for a day of learning, recognition and celebration.
For the Rongring Lepcha Culture and Welfare Society (RLCWS), the occasion held particular significance through the participation of Ryen S.T.S. Lepcha, IFS (Retd.), one of the founding members and an Advisory Member of RLCWS. Ryen Lepcha was invited as the Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker for the afternoon session, continuing his association with the Tendong Knowledge Series and its vision of creating platforms for knowledge, community advancement and indigenous heritage.
Now in its fifth edition, the Tendong Knowledge Series has grown into an important annual platform for the Lepcha community, bringing together academic research, traditional knowledge, professional achievement, community service and youth inspiration. The 2026 edition continued this vision by providing a platform for emerging scholars while recognising individuals and organisations for their contributions across academics, social work, community welfare, entrepreneurship, sports, cultural heritage, environmental work, religious service and organisational leadership.
The proceedings began with the arrival of the Chief Guest, His Highness Miwang Denzong Gyalsey Palden Gyurmed Namgyal, followed by a sacred ritual offering conducted by Ren Nim Tshering Lepcha, Bongthing, invoking blessings for the community and the occasion.
Four scholars were featured during the academic session, bringing research and contemporary perspectives to the gathering. A particularly inspiring segment was the experience-sharing session by Ms. Gnersongmit Lepcha, the first Lepcha to summit Mount Everest. She spoke about her journey, preparation, challenges and aspirations, encouraging young people to develop discipline, physical endurance and mental strength.
The presence of His Highness Miwang Denzong Gyalsey Palden Gyurmed Namgyal added special significance to the gathering. In his address, His Highness congratulated the Tendong Knowledge Series team for successfully institutionalising the platform and emphasised the importance of academic excellence, youth empowerment and cultural dignity. A sacred thangka was presented to His Highness by the Tendong Lho Rum Faat Celebration Committee.
Ryen S.T.S. Lepcha: A Continuing Association with the Tendong Knowledge Series
For RLCWS, one of the most meaningful aspects of TKS-5 was the participation of Ryen S.T.S. Lepcha, IFS (Retd.), as Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker.
A distinguished member of the 1983 batch of the Indian Forest Service, Ryen Lepcha served for more than 35 years in forestry and environmental management, eventually retiring as Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Uttarakhand. His professional work has encompassed biodiversity conservation, watershed restoration, bamboo development, natural fibre technologies, climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods and community-based conservation.
His participation in TKS-5 was particularly relevant to the larger philosophy of the Knowledge Series, connecting knowledge with community, environment, innovation and sustainable development.
In his address, Ryen Lepcha shared experiences from his professional journey, including the preparation, challenges and perseverance that shaped his career. He spoke to the younger generation about remaining committed to their goals and understanding that meaningful achievement is built through sustained effort.
He also shared his expertise on bamboo, an area in which he has made significant contributions through research, technology development, livelihood programmes and policy work. His address brought together several of the central themes of the Tendong Knowledge Series — knowledge, resilience, environmental stewardship, indigenous resources, innovation and service to society.
Ryen Lepcha was subsequently felicitated for his contributions to forestry, environmental conservation, sustainable mountain development, scientific innovation, public service and indigenous heritage.
Ryen Lepcha’s involvement with the Tendong Knowledge Series builds upon an important association from the 4th edition in 2025, when he attended the programme representing the Rongring Lepcha Culture and Welfare Society. At TKS-4, RLCWS presented its work towards the preservation and promotion of the Lepcha language and cultural heritage through digital education. The occasion also marked the relaunch of the Rongring Self-Learning App 2.0, strengthening the Society’s efforts to make Lepcha language learning more accessible through technology.
His return in 2026, this time as Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker, reflects a continuing engagement with a platform that shares RLCWS’s commitment to knowledge, community development and the preservation of indigenous heritage.
As a founding member and Advisory Member of RLCWS, Ryen Lepcha’s involvement also represents the Society’s continued engagement with wider community platforms that create space for research, dialogue, recognition and youth inspiration.
The successful completion of the fifth edition marks another important milestone for the Tendong Knowledge Series. Its growing scope demonstrates the value of creating a dedicated space where the Lepcha community can celebrate not only its cultural inheritance, but also its scholars, professionals, achievers, community workers, environmentalists and young people.
RLCWS congratulates the Tendong Lho Rum Faat Celebration Committee and the entire Tendong Knowledge Series team on the successful completion of its fifth edition and looks forward to the continued growth of this important platform.
All pics courtesy of – Tendong Rum Faat Celebration Committee
