North Sikkim celebrates 68th Independence Day

MANGAN, 17 Aug: North Sikkim celebrated 68th Independence Day here at the public ground in Mangan, North Sikkim. Minister, Forest department, TW Lepcha unfurled the National Flag as the National Anthem played in the background. Thereafter, Mr. Lepcha accompanied by SP North, RN Yadav inspected the parade contingents followed by march past which was led by parade commander, SI, Sikkim police, Vikki Sundas.
At the outset, District Magistrate, North, TN Kazi and ADC North, Raj Yadav read out the message of the Governor and Chief minister respectively. On the occasion, Minister Mr Lepcha paid tribute and homage to those leaders who have sacrificed their lives for the country and also extended his best wishes to the citizens. He spoke on the flagship programmes of the state government and stated that under the visionary leadership of Pawan Chamling is moving ahead in the right direction in terms of development and has even earned compliments from the Prime Minister of India in organic farming. Further, he urged the government employees to perform their duties with utmost honesty and sincerity for the convenience of the general public.
During the programme, Hima Giri Hydro Electricity Pvt Ltd scholarship for the Class X toppers were presented to Chumzay Lepcha of Gor Sec school, Korsongmit Lepcha of Passingdong Sec School and Chumsang Lepcha of Lingdong Sec School.
Other awards included Best Sector Magistrate, Tshering Dorjee Bhutia, Best Nodal officer award to PR Dullal, Best Sector Police Officer to SDPO Chungthang Tashi Zangpo and Best Employee award to UDC LR&DM, K C Bhutia and Singhi Dadul of AHVS department.
The 68th Independence Day was also celebrated at Lingzya JHS in Upper Dzongu, North Sikkim which was attended by Councilor Mangan Nagar Panchayat, PK Malu as the chief guest. The celebration started with the hoisting of the National Flag by the chief guest followed by the March Past by the students and the cultural programme.
Later, the final match of the Independence day football tournament was played between Tholung and Himagiri where the Tholung team emerged as winners.
Similarly, Independence Day was also celebrated at Lachung Secondary School where CO 14 Mahar Regt, Col. Naveen Kumar was the chief guest accompanied by the Pipon and public of Lachung. The function included cultural programmes, sport events and the final match of the football tournament.
I-Day celebration at Tingvong Secondary school, Upper Dzongu had Chairman SNT, PN Lepcha as the chief guest. Also present were Zilla Member, Chungden Lepcha, Principal TSS, S Sebastian, ex-zilla members, panchayat, teachers and students.
The programme started with hoisting of the National Flag by the chief guest, march past by school children. Welcome address was delivered by president IDC Committee, Pintso Lepcha and programme coordinator, OT Lepcha. Colorful cultural programme was presented by children and events like tug of war, bamboo climbing and musical ball passing were also part of the function.
Principal TSS placed some demands on behalf of the school like the need for one photocopy machine and exposure tour for senior students.
The chief guest in his address assured to provide one photocopy machine each to Tingvong SS and Namprik school. He also informed that he has spoken with the heads of the SNT department for provision of bus service from Mangan to Siliguri as soon as possible.
The programme was followed by a cultural programme and the girls football final match between  Lingdem and Hee-Gyathang. Lingdem won the match by 5-1 goals while the Senior Boys football final match between Ronkyong Ruklu and Saffo Boys was won by the former by 2 goals in a penalty shoot-out.