‘Vriddha Ashram’ inaugurated at Lower Samdong

FACILITY TO OFFER FREE BOARD TO ELDERLY PILGRIMS
MANGAN, 09 Jan: The Minister for Forest and Environment cum Tourism, Bhim Dhungel today inaugurated the newly constructed Vriddha Ashram here at Hareshwar Shivalay Mandir premises at Lower Samdong in East Sikkim. The Minister was present as the chief guest accompanied by area MLA cum Chief Whip, Ugen T Gyatso Bhutia as special guest.
The Vriddha Ashram, which is to serve as a free guest house for senior citizens visiting the area as pilgrims, has been funded by Madhya Bharat Power Corporation Ltd under its CSR activities. During the function, area MLA Ugen T Gyatso Bhutia, GM NHPC, DK Ray and ED Madhya Bharat, GK Changani were felicitated by the panchayat and public of Lower Samdong for their dedication and contribution in the development of Lower Samdong.
Executive Director, Madhya Bharat in his speech highlighted that Madhya Bharat will construct another additional floor of the Vriddha Ashram in the coming days.
The GM NHPC, DK Ray informed that the NHPC is ready to help people anytime for the development of the village and further added that apart from power generation, NHPC is involved in many other community services in the state for the welfare of the people in the field of health, education and sports etc. The GM highlighted that the construction of cold storage will be completed within the next year.
Area MLA, Ugen T Gyatso Bhutia in his address appealed to the people to change their mindset and involve themselves in the progress of the constituency and state as well. “We have no personal agenda or vested interest but we are working for the welfare of the people”, he said.
Mr. Bhutia reiterated that due to some people with vested interests there have been some hindrances in early sanctioning of the Ramayan Village. He also appreciated the development facilitated by the NHPC in the area and Madhya Bharat as well and further urged for their constant support in the future as well.
Addressing the function, the chief guest Minister Bhim Dhungel stressed that all the people of Tumin-Lingee constituency should be united in delivering their contribution to complete the three mega projects in the constituency which are Jantar Mantar Tantar, Ramayan Village and Chauridara Green Village project.
He further said that 96% hotels in Sikkim are being sublet and run by outsiders where only 4% are being run by the locals. Unless, there is positive thought, there will not be development, he added. Earlier, the function was welcomed by Dharmaraj Adhikari and ended with vote of thanks by Dheeraj Bhattarai.
Also present in the function were officials from NHPC, GM, DK Ray, officials from Madhya Bharat headed by GK Changani, Executive Director, Chief Engineer State Tourism Deptt, zilla member Saraswati Regmi, panchayat members and the local public.