BENJAMIN RAI: HIS MUSIC STOLE THE HEARTS OF MANY.

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 Music was his life. Literally, it was so. It is said that when Benjamin Rai, popularly known as Ranka Sir because of his long association with rank School, gets hold of a harmonium he becomes oblivious of his surroundings and passage of time and forget another, mostly composed by himself. Barely a year before the septurian singer breathed his last, he enthralled a capacity crowd in the community hall by rendering a number of old hits bringing nostalgic feelings among a number of old citizens. 
Late Benjamin Rai Son of late David Rai of Mount Hermon, Darjeeling. Was born on July 28 1929 He started his service career in 1959 in the Education department as a primary teacher in Ranka School. Since he spent a long time in Ranka School, he was also known as Ranka Sir. In 1971 he was transferred toTtashi Namgyal High School, where he served till his retirement.
From early age Benjamin RAI Was interested in music and took part in various musical programmed in school function and outside the State. He was not only a singer, dancer and musician but also a composer of Nepali folk song. One of his compositions written and tuned by him won first prize in Kalimpong music competition in 1957. He represented Denzong musical Academy in the competition. Ranka Sir distinguished himself when he composed the song on the auspicious occasion of the Coronation of the Late Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal held on 14th April, 1965. This song on doubt became an instant hit in Sikkim. In addition to these achievements in the field of music and performing arts, Mr. Benjamin Rai along with other artist of Sikkim recorded their songs at Hindustan Recording Company, Calcutta.
In 1977 he participated as musician, in the north East Regional festival and was give SILPI AWARD by chief minister of Assam. During 1981-84 he was one of the members of advisory committee of All India Radio, Kurseong. In 1995 he honoured by the Department of Culture, Government of Sikkim on the occasion of Award Function of Sikkim Music Competition 1995. Master of folk songs he is also the recipient of Sikkim State Award.       
 Courtesy by: Department of Information & Public Relations Government.


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