Kazi Lhendup Dorjee, Politician
Politician

Kazi Lhendup Dorjee

Born 25 May 1904 · Sikkim — Died 28 July 2007

First Chief Minister of Sikkim after its 1975 union with India.

Kazi Lhendup Dorjee, also spelled Lhendup Dorji or Lhendup Dorji Khangsarpa was an Indian politician who was the first chief minister of Sikkim from 1975 to 1979 after its union with India. He was the first Prime Minister of Sikkim from 1974 to 1975. He also served as the Executive Council of Sikkim from 1967 to 1970. He was a member of INC after 1975 and Sikkim National Congress before 1975.

✨

A detail that
surprised us

“

Kazi Lhendup Dorjee became Head Lama of Rumtek Monastery at just 16, before leaving religious life to found political parties that altered Sikkim’s destiny.

The Story

1
In 1904, Kazi Lhendup Dorjee was born in Pakyong, East Sikkim, into the noble Bhutia-origin Khangsarpa family, setting the stage for his unique blend of spiritual and political influence.
2
🌟 At age 6, he entered Rumtek Monastery, trained under Head Lama Tshurfuk Lama Rabden Dorji, and became Head Lama himself for eight years, a rare spiritual authority turning political later.
3Returning from monastic leadership, in 1945 he founded the Sikkim Praja Mandal and later the Sikkim National Congress in 1953, spearheading early political reform efforts against the monarchy’s electoral system.
4By 1973, amid electoral controversies and protests against the Chogyal monarchy's vote rigging, Dorjee led the boycott of the Executive Council, igniting mass movements demanding 'One Man One Vote' in Sikkim.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
Padma Vibhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

“

At age 16, Dorjee succeeded as Head Lama of Rumtek Monastery after two years of strict priesthood training, an unusual early spiritual authority for someone who later led political revolutions.

📸 Through the Years

📷

No photos yet

Help preserve history — add a photo of this icon

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Birth of Kazi Lhendup Dorjee
Born in Pakyong, East Sikkim into the noble Khangsarpa family of Bhutia origin.
1904
⚡
Career
Became Head Lama of Rumtek Monastery
After two years of priesthood training, succeeded Lama Ugen Tenzing as Head Lama.
c.1920
⚡
Career
Founded Sikkim Praja Mandal
Established the political party to challenge existing governance structures in Sikkim.
1945
⚡
Career
Founded Sikkim National Congress
Formed a non-communal party advocating democratic reforms in Sikkim’s electoral system.
1962
⚡
Career
Became last Prime Minister of Sikkim
Led Sikkim during its transition from monarchy to Indian statehood.
1974
⚡
Career
First Chief Minister of Sikkim
Assumed office after Sikkim’s merger with India, marking political integration.
1975
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Bhushan
Received India’s third highest civilian award for his political career.
2002
🕊️
Death
Death of Kazi Lhendup Dorjee
Passed away in Kalimpong at age 103, after years of political isolation.
2007
More moments to come...
+ Add a moment

🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

The Sikkim National Congress, founded by Dorjee in 1962, was intentionally non-communal, promoting unity that helped it win eight of eighteen seats in the 1967 elections.

02 / 04
👤PERSONAL

Dorjee spent his last years isolated in Kalimpong after 1979 elections saw his party fail to win any seats, reflecting a dramatic fall from political prominence.

03 / 04
👤PERSONAL

Despite his pivotal role in Sikkim’s integration into India, Dorjee and his wife lived with regret and social isolation following their political decisions.

No quote recorded for Kazi Lhendup Dorjee yet.

🌱 What changed because of them

Dorjee's leadership in founding the Sikkim National Congress and advocating electoral reforms directly challenged centuries of monarchical rule, paving the way for Sikkim’s integration into India. His political actions led to the implementation of democratic electoral principles and the establishment of Sikkim as an Indian state, transforming its governance and political landscape forever.

💬 Social Buzz

💬

What are people saying about Kazi Lhendup Dorjee?

Share posts from historians, journalists and notable voices about this icon. 🇮🇳

💭 Memories & Tributes

Share your memory of Kazi Lhendup Dorjee...
Loading memories...
Is this profile accurate?