Six-month training on Angora Shawl Weaving begins at Gnathang

GANGTOK, 12 Sept: Six-month capacity building in Angora Shawl Weaving under Border Area Development Programme 2012-13 at Gnathang, East Sikkim was inaugurated by Panchayat President of Gnathang, Sonam Uden Bhutia on Tuesday.
The programme, which has 20 trainees, is sponsored by Office of the Border Area Management, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi and organised by Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom, Government of Sikkim
The programme was also attended by Director, DHH, Ganga D. Pradhan, Assistant Director (Production) I, Jigme Pintso Bhutia, Assistant Director, Pema Sangmo.
As per a press release, Director, DHH while addressing the beneficiaries mentioned the need of the weaving training and informed the beneficiaries to avail the opportunity extended by department. The knowledge acquired from the training would not only benefit them but will benefit others as well, she said.
The Assistant Director, Jigme Pintso Bhutia (Production) informed about the admission under Health Insurance Scheme and Life Insurance Schemes of the weavers provided by Government of India, Ministry of Textiles. He also mentioned that this kind of scheme is particularly meant for the weavers and artisans in the state.
Chief guest, Sonam Uden Bhutia called upon the gathering to avail the facilities and opportunity extended by the department and also thanked the government and department. She urged the local women to learn something valuable from the training and further added that this kind of scheme would be of immense help for the women in the future, the release adds.

Chochen Pheri lake at Chochen under Gnathang-Machong constituency in East Sikkim, less than two hours drive from Pakyong towards Bara-Pathing, is eyeing a slice of the tourism pie of Sikkim. As the name suggests, a circumambulation of the lake is usually undertaken by the devout here. Now it has a "Buddhist Circuit" paved around it and a stroll over a footbridge to a covered enclave in the middle. Although barely a pond, the spot is ideally located for a weekend getaway, amidst paddy fields and even a guest house option within strolling distance.