Darjeeling, June 11: The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has announced that veteran politician and social worker Renulina Subba will be the first recipient of the Subash Ghisingh Memorial Highest Civilian Honor. This prestigious award will be presented annually on the birth anniversary of late Subash Ghisingh to individuals who have made significant contributions in politics, literature, and social service.
The announcement was made by GTA Vice Chairman Rajesh Chauhan, who expressed immense pride in bestowing the award on Renulina Subba. “We are honored to announce that Renulina Subba will be the first recipient of this award. She became the first Gorkha woman legislator from the hills, elected in 1977 from the All India Gorkha League and again in 1982 as an independent candidate,” said Chauhan.
Subba, known as a powerful orator, once sparked a major stir in the West Bengal Assembly by carrying a toy gun as a symbolic protest. Over the years, she has been a leading figure in establishing schools, colleges, and health centers, and actively participated in movements for the Nepali language, women empowerment, and rights of cinchona plantation workers—earning her the title “Iron Lady of Cinchona.”
Chauhan added, “Late Subash Ghisingh was not only a politician but also contributed greatly to literature and social causes. Renulina Subba embodies all these qualities, making her the ideal recipient of this inaugural award.”
The award ceremony will be held on June 22, marking the 89th birth anniversary of Subash Ghisingh, at the Gorkha Rangmanch Bhavan. Leaders from across the political spectrum, including GNLF president and Ghisingh’s son Mann Ghisingh, and Indian Gorkha Janashakti Front coordinator Ajoy Edwards, are expected to attend.
GTA aims to make this award an annual tradition to honor those who elevate the dignity and pride of the Darjeeling hills. The concept of this award was first announced by GTA Chief Executive Anit Thapa during last year’s Bhanu Jayanti celebrations. GJM General Secretary Neeraj Zimba had welcomed the move, calling it a historic decision that rose above politics.
Subash Ghisingh was born on June 22, 1936, at Manju Tea Estate in Mirik. With this award, GTA also seeks to highlight the remarkable contributions of prominent figures from the Darjeeling–Kalimpong region.