Ilam: The funeral of Rajen Michael Gurung (Michael Sir), who contributed significantly to the education sector of Ilam for a long time, was held at Kalimpong, India, on Saturday at 1 pm. His brother, Amar Michael Gurung, informed that well-wishers from Ilam, Jhapa, Kathmandu, Pokhara, Delhi, Kolkata, Darjeeling, and Sikkim paid their last respects during the funeral program.
In memory of Gurung, a large memorial meeting and lamp lighting program was held in Ilam on Friday, and a similar program was held at Maitighar in Kathmandu on Saturday. The event was coordinated by an organization called Ilam Green. Hundreds of students, teachers, and well-wishers gathered at both programs to commemorate Michael Sir. His body was brought to Kalimpong on Thursday night.
Gurung suddenly collapsed while teaching class 10 students on Wednesday morning and became unconscious. He was taken to a hospital in Siliguri, India, after he did not regain consciousness even after being treated at B&C Hospital in Jhapa until Thursday evening. Upon arrival in Siliguri, the doctor declared Gurung dead, said teacher Vikas Karmacharya.
Doctors reported that he had suffered a brain hemorrhage and a heart attack. PABSON Ilam has declared a mourning holiday in institutional schools on Sunday, Sep 1, to express their respect for the late Gurung, while Ilam Municipality, the local government, has declared a holiday in all the schools of Ilam Municipality.
Gurung, a permanent resident of Kalimpong, Bong Basti, taught at Mount Mechi Secondary Boarding School in 2052 BS. He became the principal of Green Valley English Boarding in 2054 BS and returned as the principal of Mount Mechi Secondary Boarding in 2080. Gurung is survived by his wife Meena Michael Gurung and two sons, Swadesh Michael Gurung and Siddharth Michael Gurung. The Gurung couple worked in the same school. Rajenwas the son of the Great MM Gurung.
