Kalimpong, Jan. 24: The Lepcha Culture and Heritage Upliftment Day organised by Mani Gumbu Kyong Shezome (MGKS) began here today. The programme, consisting of various cultural shows, aims at promoting awareness among Lepcha youngsters on their culture and heritage, said O.T. Lepcha, advisor of MGKS.

“When we started the programme 11 years ago, many youngsters did not even have a traditional Lepcha dress. They are now more enthusiastic to know about their culture,” said Thupden Lepcha, another advisor of MGKS.

“Another achievement of the programme is that many Lepcha youngsters are trying to learn the language as the whole programme is conducted in the Lepcha language,” he added.