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He is not only a foremost traditional Artist but
also an indisputable authority on traditional Sikkimese handicraft,
designs, motifs, frescoes, papier niache, wood carving etc. besides
being a well-known Buddhist scholar. He was born on 10th January
1932 in Phodong, North Sikkirn. At the age of twelve Ganden Lama
started his career as an artist in traditional arts. |
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He underwent apprenticeship with one of the most
renowned artists of that period Lharipa Rinzing Lama and over the
years, gained considerable experience and expertise. Lharipa Ganden
Lama in the art of thanka painting in which he excelled. In 1955, he
was appointed as a traditional Art Instructor in Enchey School.
During 1956 he represented the State of Sikkirn at the International
Handicraft Exhibitions held at Calcutta, Madras and Bombay and
represented Sikkim at the World Crafts Conference at New Delhi in
1960. Nine years later Lharipa Ganden Lama became a Member of the
World Crafts Council, Washington, USA.
With the establishment of Government Institute of
Cottage at Gangtok, Lharipa Ganden Lama was transferred from Enchey
School to the Institute in 1957. The small cottage industries which
is now grown up to one of the most renowned repositories of the
traditional arts and crafts of Sikkim was nurtured like a baby by
this genius during his nearly four decades of service in the
Institute. The credit for its development goes entirely to Lharipa
Ganden Lama whose technical knowledge, exemplary devotion and the
evangelic zest with which he used to carry out his duties and
responsibilities made it possible. He was later promoted as Master
Artist and continued to serve the Institute till his retirement from
service on 30th December, 1992. He has still not lost his link with
the Institute which constantly seeks his advice on all matters
relating to the traditional arts and crafts of Sikkim.
In 1986, Lharipa Ganden Lama was conferred the
National Award for Master Craftsman by the President of India. In
1987, the State Government awarded him with a Certificate for
meritorious service followed by the State Award in 15th August, 1999
in recognition of his outstanding contributions in the field of
traditional arts and crafts ofSikkirn. In 1997, he received the
Krishna Smrity Award from the Sikkirn Sahitya Parishad. |
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There is no second opinion that Lharipa Ganden Lama
is the reigning monarch of traditional art of Sikkim and the
masterpiece Thankas drawn by this simple, unassuming and soft-spoken
but outstanding Artist have enriched a number of houses including
those of Kings, Prime Ministers and common people alike. |
