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Barely 1 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
Hennon, 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 to Tashi
Namgyal High School, where he served till his retirement.
From early age Benjamin Rai was interested in music
and took part in various musical programmes in School functions and
outside the State. He was not only a singer, dancer and musician but
also a composer of 'Nepali folk songs. 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 4th April, 1965. This song no
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 artists of Sikkim recorded their songs at
Hindustan Recording Company, Calcutta.
In 1977 he participated as musician, in the North
East Regional festival and was given SILPIA WARD 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 was honoured by
the Department of Culture, Government of Sikkim on the occasion of
Award Function of All Sikkim Music Competition 1995. Master of the
folk songs he is also the recipient of the Sikkim State Award.
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