SSB’s Samajik Chetna Abhiyan begins in Darap

Gangtok, 14 July [PIB]: A three-day “Samajik Chetna Abhiyan” [social awareness mission] of Sashastra Seema Bal, Sikkim Area, Sector Headquarters, Gangtok, aimed at community participation for border management and developing coordination and improving rapport with people living in the border areas for better public-police relationship began today at Darap on Sikkim’s border with Nepal. The programme was inaugurated by Additional District Magistrate, West, Bhim Tathal.
Mr. Tathal expressed happiness over initiatives taken by SSB in carrying out people-oriented welfare activities in this part of West District and conducting workshops on Disaster Risk Management with the aim to make locals more aware and better quipped in the role as first responders of the community at the time of natural calamities.
He also assured full cooperation of all government departments and agencies to SSB in carrying out such programmes in remote parts of border areas.
Sub Area Organiser, SSB, Sikkim Area, DK Thongon, in his welcome address, highlighted the aims and objectives of the “Samajik Chetna Abhiyan” and spoke on the various activities and programmes planned for the three-day engagement. Exhibitions, sports and games, sit & draw competitions, patriotic song competition, elocution contest, interschool quiz contest, volleyball tournament, musical chair for ladies, tug-of-war, cultural programme and medical/ veterinary civic action will be organized through the days.
Manoj Kumar, 2nd-in-Command, 19th Battalion, SSB Gangtok highlighted the aims and objectives of SSB and impressed upon the need of community participation for ensuring better border management and coordination with people in the border areas.
Addressing the gathering, Karma Chuki Bhutia, ex-Zilla Panchayat Adhakshya and Pranay Limboo, Panchayat President, Darap-Namboo GPU, appreciated the efforts of SSB in the border areas and appreciated SSB’s continued support and coordination in the border villages and also assured full cooperation of Panchayat units in carrying forward people-oriented welfare activities.
The inaugural function was also attended by Asst Comdt. (Medical), Doma Lachungpa,  DCIO Subhashish Adak, SIB, Geyzing; Secretary and Members of Darap GPU, Principals/ Headmasters and teachers from nearby schools and a large gathering of locals from Darap and nearby villages, besides a host of SSB officers.
Students of Govt. Senior Secondary School, Darap, presented folk-songs and folk dances. Medical and Veterinary team of SSB organised a free health camp.