Darjeeling, 14 September
Noted Christian leader of Darjeeling and social worker Enos Das Pradhan passed away in a private nursing home in Siliguri in West Bengal on Friday night. He was 79.
Born on 8 April 1945 into a devout Christian family in the hills of Darjeeling, Rev Pradhan was the former General Secretary of the Church of North India (CNI) Synod, and was involved in the Gorkhaland movement, advocating for a separate state for the Gorkhas in India. He was also the former national president of the Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh and the spokesperson for the Gorkhaland Joint Action Committee, a grouping of pro-Gorkhaland organisations, formed to take ahead the Gorkhaland movement in 2013.
Rev Pradhan has authored several books, including a compilation of letters previously published in church publications titled “Beyond Letters…” . A festschrift (commemorative book) titled “Church on the Move” was also published in his honour.
Rev Pradhan’s journey of service began when he was appointed as the Treasurer of the Church of North India in May 1995. In 2003, he assumed the role of General Secretary, a position he faithfully held until his retirement in August 2010. The Rev. Pradhan also served as the Executive Secretary of the Communion of Churches in India (CCI), an ecumenical organization comprising the Church of North India (CNI), the Church of South India (CSI), and the Mar Thoma Church (MTC).
“His commitment to global mission work was evident as he served as a Trustee of the Council for World Mission (CWM) from 2006 onwards. In 2009, he was elected Deputy Moderator at the CWM Assembly,” a CNI source said in Darjeeling.
Chief Executive of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) Anit Thapa took to his Facebook page to pay tribute to the departed Hill leader. “Saddened by the demise of the former Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh president Sri Enos Das Pradhan. I pray for the departed soul to rest in peace. Heartfelt tributes,” he said.
Rev Pradhan leaves behind his wife and three daughters, all of whom are married and settled in Delhi, and five grandchildren.
While the funeral service has been scheduled to be held in Darjeeling on Monday, 16th September 2024, a prayer meeting will be held at his house at Pradhan Para, Kalchakra Road, Eastern Bypass, in Siliguri at 6 pm on Saturday.
