Draft:Sherap Lepcha
Sherap Lepcha is an ex player, casino manager, social worker and philanthropist based in Gangtok, Sikkim. Sherap Lepcha was born in Tingvong village, Dzongu, North Sikkim, and completed his schooling at Tashi Namgyal Academy in Gangtok, Sikkim. He has played for East Bengal, Mohan Bagan Kolkata, and Churchill Brothers Goa and is the first person from the Lepcha community to have played for all the premier clubs of Indian football. He has also represented the India team abroad. Currently, he works as a dealer principal for Renault in Gangtok and manages casinos in the region.
Early Life
Sherap Lepcha was born on 15 November 1978 in Tingvong village, Dzongu, North Sikkim.
He is from the Lepcha community of Sikkim. His father was Late Rapjor Lepcha and his mother is Passangkit Lepcha.
Sherap Lepcha developed an interest in football and later pursued a career in professional football before moving into management and other professional activities.
Education
Sherap Lepcha completed his schooling at Tashi Namgyal Academy in Gangtok, Sikkim.
He is self educated in his professional development and has developed experience across football, casino management, business management, social work and environmental activism.
Career
Sherap Lepcha has worked in various managerial roles in the casino industry in Sikkim. He served as the general manager at Mahajong Casino in Hotel Mayfair Spa and Resort. He also worked as a casino manager at Deltin Denzong in Gangtok, Sikkim. Later, he was the assistant general manager at Casino Sikkim located at Sorover Hotel Sayri in Gangtok. Presently, he is the casino manager at Royal Denzong Casino in Denzong Regency ITC Hotel at Zero Point, Gangtok, Sikkim.
He also works as a dealer principal for Renault in Gangtok, Sikkim.
Football
Sherap Lepcha has played for East Bengal, Mohan Bagan Kolkata, and Churchill Brothers Goa. He is described as the first person from the Lepcha community to have played for all the premier clubs of Indian football.
He has also represented the India team abroad.
Sherap Lepcha was the founder of United Sikkim Football Club, which was the first club from Sikkim to play in the Indian league. This marked a significant moment in the history of football in Sikkim.
Environmental Activism
Sherap Lepcha is an environmentalist and the founder of Afflicted Citizen of Teesta, an organization that opposed government projects in Sikkim.
He participated in a relay hunger strike lasting 915 days that successfully led to the cancellation of four power projects in Dzongu, a reserved area of the Lepcha community.
Sherap Lepcha was also involved in promoting eco-tourism in the Dzongu area with the help of Ecoss NGO, Gangtok. His efforts in eco-tourism have contributed to the development of activities and livelihoods in the region.
Social Work and Philanthropy
Sherap Lepcha is involved in social work and philanthropy and has undertaken activities aimed at supporting people in Sikkim.
He works for the welfare of local communities and contributes to social service initiatives in the state.
Personal Life
Sherap Lepcha is married to Choden Phalungtharpa.
He has two sons, Chyudok Oungzut Lepcha and Pema Tshering Lepcha.
He is associated with Gangtok, Sikkim, and his family has roots in the Tingvong village area of Dzongu, North Sikkim.
Achievements
Sherap Lepcha was awarded by the Government of Sikkim for his contribution as a sportsperson. The Sports Department of Sikkim has also included him in books covering sports personalities.
His career as a football player, founder of United Sikkim Football Club, casino manager, social worker and environmental activist has contributed to his public profile in Sikkim.