I-Day at Phensang

GANGTOK, 17 Aug: The 68th Independence Day was celebrated at the Government Secondary School, Phensang in North Sikkim with former Minister, SIBLAC convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia, as the chief guest. Earlier in the morning at the school ground, Mr. Bhutia unfurled the national tricolor amid singing of national anthem which was followed by presentation of salutes and parades by contingents of NCC, scouts/ guides and students.
As per a press release, Mr. Bhutia, in his address, stressed on the need to have wider awareness on the significance of Article 371F amongst the Sikkimese especially the students of the state. Elaborating upon the necessity of providing socioeconomic justice, he urged upon the Indian Government to grant Scheduled Tribe status to all the left out communities of Sikkim.
He highlighted the advantage of having sustainability, both on materialistic development and its approach. He called upon all the leaders and policy makers in Sikkim to work above mere party-affiliations and such considerations in the greater interests of the Sikkimese people to ensure democratic transparency and efficient governance, with clarity of policies & perceptions, free of revengeful act, the release mentions.
Area MLA, Ugen Nedup Bhutia who was the guest-of-honor, reflected on the sacrifices made by the numerous freedom fighters of the country. He further stressed upon the need to have one degree level college in the North district alongwith girl’s senior secondary schools. He urged upon the government to address the problem of scarcity of teachers at all levels in the entire district in order to ensure stable academic growth of the students.
The MLA further called upon increased community involvement for achieving social-economic development of the constituency. He said that it is his life-long dream to see North Sikkim as the most advanced and developed district in Sikkim in all manners, and that he shall leave no stones unturned in accomplishing this.

A senior teacher of the school Athop Tshering Bhutia who has been conferred with the State Award was also felicitated on the occasion. Later, students presented a colorful cultural programmes.
Finals for two football tournaments - the Late Phensang Dorlop Rinchen Lama Memorial Cup and the Late Thupten Kunga Memorial Football Cup, were also played. The guests present later presented the prizes to all the participating teams.