Sikkim Akademi organizes Inter-college debate competition in Bhutia

SGC TADONG WINS COMPETITION BEATING SGC KAMRANG
ANUSHA GURUNG
GANGTOK, 25 July: An inter-college debate competition in Bhutia language on the topic “Impact of Western Culture on Our Society and Culture” was held today here at the auditorium of Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Deorali which was organized by Sikkim Akademi.
The competition was held between Sikkim Government College, Tadong and Government College Kamrang [Namchi]. The programme started with a welcome address by the president Sikkim Akademi PM Tamang, which was followed by poetry recitation by the students of Sikkim Government College Tadong and Namchi.
Lepcha dance was performed by the students of Modern Secondary School, likewise Deorali Senior Secondary School presented a Nepali dance, which was followed by a Bhutia dance by Ujwal Kala Kendra Deorali.
The team from Sikkim Government College, Tadong led by Dechen Bhutia also comprised of Tshering Namgyal Bhutia, Chewang Dorjee Bhutia, Sonam Hishey Bhutia and Palden Lachungpa. The Namchi College team had Palchen Doma Bhutia, Pema Lhamu Bhutia, Norjeela Bhutia, Sonam Palmu Bhutia and Passang Lhamu Bhutia.
Sikkim Government College Tadong spoke against the topic, whereas Government College Kamrang[Namchi] spoke for the topic.
Assistant Director Bhutia language, HRDD Department, Bhaichung Tsichudarpa, who was present as the judge said that such a competition is being organized for the first time in the state. He also thanked the Chief Minister for giving priority to all languages.
“We all should feel lucky that Sikkim Akademi has given us a chance to showcase such talents”, said Mr Tsichudarpa.
Chief guest Norden Tshering Bhutia congratulated Sikkim Akademi for organizing the debate competition and add that such a platform for students to showcase their talent should be applied to other languages as well.
It has been 12 years since the establishment of Sikkim Akademi but this kind of debate competition is happening for the first time, said Mr Bhutia further adding that this kind of competition should be continued as it improves the vocabulary of the students, and they also come up with new ideas.
He added that every individual should master their own language first as language is one’s identity and stressed on speaking any language in its pure form. Apart from preserving the culture, heritage, literature of a community, to keep the language intact is very important, opined Mr Bhutia.
Certificates were given to the dancers of all the 3 schools and also to the students who recited poems on the day. Sikkim Government College Tadong won the competition scoring 142 points while the runner’s up Government College Kamrang [ Namchi] scored 138 points. A memento, certificates and cash prizes were given to all the participants.
The best speaker award at the individual level was given to Passang Lhamu Bhutia with the highest score of 109 points.
The vote of thanks was delivered by secretary Sikkim Akademi, Praveen Rai Jumeli.