International Women’s Day in Mangan

MANGAN 13 Mar: Women from different corners of North District assembled today at District Headquarter town at Mangan to observe International Women’s Day on the theme “Connecting girls, inspiring future”. The participating women comprised of the representatives from SHGs, NGOs and students from different schools who marked the day with colorful cultural programme and the awareness message delivered by different speakers of the day.
The function was organized by Bhavishya Bharat Foundation [BBF] of the Teesta Urja Company, a project developer engaged with 1200 MW Teesta Stage III in North Sikkim. Owing to the festival of Holi falling on 08 March, the Women’s Day which also fell on the same date, was instead observed today, informed the organizers.
In order to mark the day, a rally was organized from District Administrative to Zilla Bhawan where the function was held. The function had Zilla Adhyaksha North, Khamsoong Lepcha as chief guest and President Mangan Nagar Panchayat, Karma Jigdel Bhutia as the guest of honour.
While delivering the welcome speech, State Coordinator BBF, Nauraj Gurung highlighted the activities of BBF since its arrival here in the year 2009. He also informed that BBF has been working in four sectors - Health, Education, Livelihood and Social & infrastructure development covering the different affected villages of the project area under 9 blocks of different GPUs. He also highlighted about the community service provided by BBF in the villages till date.
Mingma Doma Bhutia, a social worker from Mangan spoke on women’s rights where she stressed on the development of women and encouraged every woman to come forward.
A colorful cultural programme was also presented by Singhik School, North Sikkim Academy, Manul and Kazor schools. The function was also addressed by Panchayat member Shipgyer, Dawa Doma Lepcha.
In his address, President, Mangan Nagar Panchayat, Karma Jigdel Bhutia highlighted that a woman plays an important role in a family holding it together and contributing towards building a good society and nation.
The chief guest, while addressing the gathering, appreciated BBF’s initiative at organizing such a programme. He said that the state government under the leadership of the Chief Minister has given every opportunity to women which are first among all the states of the country. Different laws have been passed by the government for the protection of women, he added.
While highlighting power decentralization, Mr. Lepcha said that there will be 60 to 65% women candidates in the upcoming panchayat elections. He also appealed to all women to get involved in the mission of the government for the development of the state. While highlighting about the infrastructure being developed by the BBF in different villages, he appealed to all the villagers to protect and maintain it for the purpose it has been created.
The function concluded with the distribution of prizes to the participants and ended with the vote of thanks by Gyalmoo Lepcha.
Also present were zilla members, Panchayat members, counselors of MNP, student and teachers of North Sikkim Academy, Mangan Sr. SS, Singhik School, SHG and NGOs members.