Unsung freedom fighter linked to Sikkim

Sikkim’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle is now clearly established, thanks to the research put in by the Sikkim chapter of the Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh (BGP).

Till the research findings were highlighted, the freedom movement knew not much about Sikkim’s contribution. Sabitri Devi (Helen Lepcha) was arguably Sikkim’s lone crusader in India’s struggle for Independence from the British rule.

A press release issued by the BGP informed that the Sikkim BGP during their recent visit to South Sikkim, were able to establish links and unearth the facts regarding the elusive freedom fighter, late Sabitri Devi alias Helen Lepcha. Helen was born, the third daughter to Achung Lepcha in 1902 in Sangmu village, about 15 km from Namchi.

The family later shifted to Kurseong where Helen received her education. However, in 1920, she got actively involved in India’s freedom movement. Helen got in touch with Gandhiji during those days and was named Sabitri Devi by the Father of the Nation.

She led the freedom movement being based in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, particularly in the coalmine areas. During 1939-40, when Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was kept under house arrest in Gidda Pahar of Kurseong, Netaji influenced Sabitri Devi and later when he escaped the British in an Afghan costume, Sabitri Devi was instrumental in his escapade.

The release informed that the BGP members met the grandson Pincho Lepcha of late Helen and her remaining family members in Sangmu village – Laku Tsering Lepcha, Aki Lepcha and Normit Lepcha. The visiting team was shown the Tamrapatra she had received from the Government of India as a token of appreciation for her contribution in the freedom movement. The team also witnessed her picture and the ruins of her birth place and a chorten, for which she used to contribute money annually for maintainance. A century-old pear (Nashpati) tree bears testimony to the faded chapter of history at her ancestral house.

The release mentioned that having established full proof about the life and contributions of late Helen, the Association has decided to felicitate the freedom fighter posthumously, erect a statue in her memory and request the State Government to name streets in the State in her name, on the occasion of Balidan Diwas on August 25.

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