GNLF Women’s Wing Central Committee of Goranasam Formed in Kalimpong
In a move aimed at strengthening its organisational structure and expanding women’s participation in regional political processes, the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) has constituted the Central Committee of its GNLF women’s wing, the Gorkha National Women’s Organization, commonly known as Goranasam. The announcement was made during an organisational meeting held at Sherpa Gaon in Block-1 of Kalimpong district.
Party representatives said the formation of the new committee is part of an internal restructuring effort designed to widen grassroots engagement and provide a more structured platform for women within the party framework.
Leadership Team Announced at Organisational Meeting
The meeting was chaired by GNLF president Mann Ghising and conducted by party office bearers in the presence of central and local representatives. During the session, members unanimously selected Manikala Tamang as the Central President of Goranasam and Kamala Tamang as Vice-President.
Four leaders — Uma Chhetri, Amrita Thapa, Rina Bhujel and Arpana Bharti — were chosen to serve as General Secretaries, while Ajila Dewan, Pushpa Lama, Anita Tamang, Sakun Tamang and Bimala Rai were appointed as Assistant Secretaries.
Financial responsibilities of the organisation will be handled by Shanti Lama and Bina Moktan, who were named Treasurers. The Executive Committee includes Lilawati Pariyar, Sushma Thing, Prena Sherpa, Ranjana Tamang, Rubina Lama, Ratna Pradhan, Rama Sharma, Bina Pradhan, Kalpana Rai, Saru Tamang, Sakuntala Mary and Dhanmaya Rai.
Party leaders described the structure as a “broad-based representation” intended to include women from different parts of the hills.
Focus on Women’s Participation and Community Issues
Addressing the gathering, Mann Ghising congratulated the newly elected members and symbolically honoured them with ceremonial scarves, a gesture commonly associated with formal recognition in the hills. He emphasised that the women’s wing should work in accordance with the organisation’s guiding principles and internal discipline.
According to party leaders, the GNLF women’s wing is expected to play an active role in community outreach, awareness campaigns and participation in social and political discussions affecting the Gorkha population. Ghising reiterated that the party’s broader political objectives remain tied to the rights and identity concerns of the Gorkha community, themes that have historically shaped regional politics in Darjeeling and Kalimpong.
Observers note that women’s wings in regional parties often serve as key platforms for mobilisation at the grassroots level, particularly in matters involving social welfare, education, cultural preservation and community advocacy.
Appeal for Unity and Engagement
Newly appointed president Manikala Tamang called upon women to come forward and participate actively in issues linked to identity, rights and community development. She emphasised the importance of collective participation, saying that organised involvement could help address social challenges while strengthening the voice of women in public discourse.
Her remarks reflect a broader trend among regional political organisations seeking to increase women’s representation not only in internal structures but also in community-level initiatives.
Presence of Party Leaders and Local Delegates
The programme saw participation from members of the GNLF Central Committee, representatives from the Darjeeling branch, delegates from various blocks of Kalimpong, and members of the newly formed women’s organisation along with allied groups. Party functionaries said the turnout indicated continued organisational activity in the hills.
Political analysts point out that internal organisational developments, such as committee formations, often signal preparation for future outreach and mobilisation efforts. Women’s organisations within political parties frequently engage in awareness drives, social campaigns and coordination during major events.
Organisational Development in a Changing Political Landscape
The Darjeeling and Kalimpong hills have a history of active regional political movements, with identity, autonomy and development issues remaining central themes. In this context, parties continue to update their internal structures to adapt to evolving social dynamics and expectations, including greater participation of women.
While the immediate focus of the newly formed committee will be organisational consolidation, its activities in the coming months are likely to reflect how effectively it connects with local communities and addresses day-to-day concerns alongside broader political narratives.
The formation of the Goranasam Central Committee marks another step in the party’s ongoing internal reorganisation. As regional political discourse continues to evolve, structured participation of women is expected to remain an important aspect of community engagement in the hills.
