KalimNews, January 30, 2025 : A memorial dedicated to Subash Ghisingh, the iconic leader who launched the Gorkhaland movement in the 1980s, was unveiled at Manjushree Park in Mirik on Wednesday. The occasion marked the 10th death anniversary of the leader, and the park has been renamed “Subash Ghising Smriti Park” in his honor.
Ghisingh, who passed away on January 29, 2015, was a key figure in the Gorkhaland movement. Born on June 22, 1936, at the Manju Tea Estate in Mirik, he founded the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) and played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC). This came after the tripartite agreement signed on August 22, 1998, between the central government, state government, and the GNLF. He served as the chairman of the DGHC from 1988 until March 25, 2005, and as the Administrator from March 26, 2005, until March 10, 2008, when he resigned from the post. The Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council Act, 1988 (West Bengal Act XIII of 1988), was enacted by the West Bengal legislature, assented to by the President of India, and first published in the Calcutta Gazette, Extraordinary, on October 15, 1988. Ghisingh’s contributions have shaped the political landscape of the region, and his vision continues to influence the Gorkha community.
The memorial, a 10-foot by 6-foot wall adorned with a plaque inscribed with Ghisingh’s biography, was inaugurated by his son, Maan Ghising. Among the attendees were Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) Chief Anit Thapa, Darjeeling MLA Neeraj Zimba, Hill Trinamool Congress Chairman L.B. Rai, and leaders from various political parties in the hills. The ceremony was filled with emotional tributes, with many present visibly moved by the occasion. Several GNLF leaders wiped away tears as they honored their former leader.
GTA Chief Anit Thapa spoke passionately about Ghisingh’s legacy, emphasizing the transformative impact Ghisingh had on the Gorkha community. “Subash Ghisingh is the leader who created the platform for Gorkhas to govern their own land. Without his struggle, I wouldn’t be in this chair today. We owe him a debt of gratitude, and we cannot find such a visionary leader again,” Thapa remarked.
Maan Ghising, visibly emotional, paid tribute to his father, saying, “Today, we honor the memory of a true leader who dedicated his life to the Gorkha cause. His legacy continues to guide us, and we will continue his work to achieve a brighter future for our people.”
L.B. Rai, Hill Trinamool Congress Chairman, also shared heartfelt memories of Ghisingh. “Whatever I am today is because of Subash Ghisingh. I worked as a sepoy under him, and unveiling his memorial today is a significant event. The leadership he provided is something we are remembering today.”
Notably, a memorial dedicated to Ghisingh’s wife, Dhan Kumari Ghising, was placed on the left side of his memorial. This is a tribute to her unwavering support for the Gorkha movement. Ghisingh’s wife passed away on August 16, 2008, but due to political tensions, her body was prevented from being brought back to Darjeeling, leaving a painful legacy of division within the hills.
The unveiling of this memorial is seen as a significant gesture towards healing past wounds. Mann Ghising, president of the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) and son of Subash Ghisingh, expressed his gratitude for the memorial’s creation. “This memorial allows people to come and pay their respects to my father and mother. I regret that I couldn’t do more for my mother, but now she finally has a place here alongside my father,” said Maan.
Mann further noted that the memorial could become a tourist destination, helping people understand the region’s history and the pivotal role played by his father. “This place has the potential to develop into a tourist spot. We must take this forward together, as a community,” he added.
The event was attended by leaders across the political spectrum, including CPM veteran Asok Bhattacharya, BGPM leader Anit Thapa, TMC leader L.B. Rai, and Gorkha Janmukti Morcha leader Kishore Bharati. The rare unity demonstrated by these political figures is seen as a powerful tribute to Ghisingh’s enduring influence on the region’s politics.
During his speech, Thapa remarked, “All the leaders in the hills are branches of the same tree that Subash Ghisingh planted. Though politically his legacy is viewed differently by some, he is respected and loved by all.”
Subash Ghisingh, once a towering figure in the Gorkha political landscape, was forced to leave Darjeeling in 2008 after intense political strife with the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM). Despite this exile, his contributions to the Gorkha community remain undeniable. The memorial at Manjushree Park stands as a testament to his vision, and the event on his 10th death anniversary was a powerful reminder of his lasting impact on the Gorkhaland movement and its people.
As the memorial was unveiled, many recalled the political animosities that marked Ghisingh’s later years. However, the gathering demonstrated a rare moment of political harmony, with leaders from across the spectrum coming together to honor a leader who shaped the destiny of the Gorkha community.
Notably, Ajoy Edwards, leader of the Indian Gorkha Janashakti Front, also visited the memorial to pay his respects, underscoring the wide-reaching influence of Ghisingh across political lines.
