Lepcha youth organize quiz competition on R-Day

GANGTOK, 29 Jan: Sikkim Lepcha Youth Association organized a Quiz Competition on the theme of Republic Day on 26 January 2015 at T.N.S.S. School auditorium. The programme was part of the ongoing Winter Coaching Class 2014-15 session organized by SLYA and was attended by Sonam Dupden Lepcha (Chairman, Primitive Tribe Welfare Board) as the chief guest.

Meritorious Service Awards for 10 on R-Day

GANGTOK, 27 Jan [IPR]: State Awards for Meritorious Service were presented to ten Government employees on the occasion of 64th Republic Day celebrated here at Paljor Stadium on 26 January.
The state awardees are: Dr. Semsey Denzongpa, Consultant Grade – I (ENT), Health Care, HS &FW Department; Karna Bahadur Thapa, Assistant Director, Cooperation Department; Nima Choden, Assistant Director (Permit), Tourism and Civil Aviation Department; PI Krishna Kumar Pradhan, Special Branch, Sikkim Police; SI Pema Wangdi Bhutia, India Reserve Battalion; Pempa Lepcha, Asst. Livestock Inspector, AH, livestock, F & VS Department; Dipendra Ghataney, Naik, Excise Department; Ganesh Bahadur Chettri, LDC, Home Department; Tashi Tshering Bhutia, LDC, Cultutal Affairs & Heritage Department; Ram Bahadur Mangar, Peon, Urban Development and Housing Department.
Also on the occasion, the Governor of Sikkim, Balmiki Prasad Singh, presented Surendra Kumar Pradhan [SPS, ASP/Home Guards and Civil Defence] with the President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service awarded on the occasion of Republic Day, 2012. The Governor also presented Dawa Tamang [SI/ Sikkim Armed Police, Pangthang] with the President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service awarded on the occasion of Independence Day, 2012 and  B.K.Chettri [Fire Station Officer, Ravangla] with the Fire Service Medal for Meritorious Service awarded on the occasion of Republic Day 2012.
The Governor also presented the trophies to the winners of the Republic Day 2013 Parade. Sikkim Armed Police won the over all best platoon, Sikkim Police Band was adjudged the best band while Indo Tibet Border Police received the consolation prize.

Paljor Stadium Road to be one-way on Republic Day

GANGTOK, 22 Jan: Only one way traffic will be allowed on the Paljor Stadium Road on Republic Day i.e 26 January, the East district Traffic Police has notified.
A press release issued by the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Traffic, Ongmu Bhutia, informs that the road from DPH Junction to District Administration Centre at Sichey and DPH Junction to Sichey Cooperative Junction have been declared one-way for the convenience of public and pedestrians coming to witness the Republic Day celebration at Paljor Stadium.
The Gangtok Traffic police have further requested the people coming to witness the Republic Day function to follow one side of the road for their safety and to give free passage to vehicular movement on the day.

Namchi plans grand R-Day celebration

NAMCHI, 11 Jan: District Administrative Centre, Namchi, along with Republic Day Celebration Committee headed by District Collector, South, has decided to celebrate this year’s Republic Day in a grand manner here at Namchi.
Apart from the official programme, the main attraction of the celebration will be the Open Half Marathon for Men (14 to 35 years old.), 15 km Run for Women (14 to 35 years old) and Cross Country Race for Under 14 Boys and Girls. The Winners will be awarded with Medals, Certificate, T-Shirts and Cash Prizes.
In the Open Men category, the winner will be awarded cash prize of Rs 15, 000 while the first and second runners-up will be awarded Rs 10, 000 and Rs 7, 000 respectively. In Women’s category, the winner will get Rs 10, 000 while the first and second runners-up will be awarded Rs 7, 000 and Rs 5, 000 respectively.
In Under 14 Girls/Boys, the first prize is Rs 5, 000 while the second and third prize is Rs 3, 000 and Rs 2, 000 respectively.
Nehru Yuva Kendra, South, will also organize various cultural programmes at Central Park, Namchi. Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Namchi, has been given the responsibility of organizing Half Marathon and other races. The committee has also decided to invite national media for the occasion as the theme for the programme will be 'Run For the Country'.
Entry forms will be issued from the Sports Office Namchi and NYK Office Namchi.

Governor applauds the nation’s gallant soldiers on 63rd Republic Day at Paljor Stadium

FOUR BOOKS BY DIFFERENT DEPTTS RELEASED, SSDMA WEBSITE ALSO LAUNCHED 
ANUSHA GURUNG
GANGTOK, 27 Jan: Governor BP Singh released four books published by different departments on the occasion of the 63rd Republic Day celebrations at Paljor Stadium yesterday.
‘Empowerment and Prosperity through Bio-Diversity Conservation in Sikkim’ published by the Forest department, ‘Sikkim towards Organic State by 2015’ by the Agriculture department, ‘Inventory and GIS Mapping of Landslides in North, East, West and South Sikkim’ and ‘Multi Hazards Risks Vulnerability Assessment of Gangtok Municipal Corporation’ by the Land Revenue & Disaster Management department were the books released.
The Governor also launched the website, www.ssdma.org of the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority on the occasion.
Earlier Mr Singh read out his Republic Day message after hoisting the National Flag. He also reviewed the parade and presented medals, awards and appreciation letter besides felicitating the World War II veterans of Sikkim.
 “In Sikkim, democracy has taken deep roots and the atmosphere is conducive for the overall wellbeing of the Sikkimese people. We have shouldered our responsibility in the most responsible manner and have consciously endeavoured to contribute towards national security and prosperity. The State enjoys unparalleled peace, progress and prosperity. As the State marches towards modernity, we continue to put emphasis on preservation of our rich culture and heritage.  
I convey my warm greetings to the gallant soldiers and members of the armed forces and the para-military forces who guard our borders. These brave men serve the nation in the most harsh and hostile conditions. I would like to place on record a deep sense of gratitude to the member of our security forces who made the supreme sacrifice to maintain security and integrity of the nation.” said the Governor of Sikkim, Balmiki Prasad Singh while addressing the 63rd Republic day celebration today at Paljor Stadium after hoisting the national flag.
World War II veterans from Sikkim were also felicitated on the day. The surviving veterans who could make it to the Republic Day event were Garjaman Rai [91yrs], Padam Singh Gurung [99 yrs], Ravi Lal Gurung [89yrs], Gyampa Namgyal Kazi [91yrs], Amar Singh Rai[99yrs] and Chandra Bdr Limboo [86yrs].
Other state and central government awards to government servants were also conferred on the occasion. [for details turn to Pg 2]
The Indian Army had put up an exhibit of army equipments and weapons at Paljor Stadium which was visited by the Governor and the Chief Minister. The Sikkim Police and Army bands also performed on the day. Various cultural programmes and a martial arts demonstration entertained the crowd which had gathered at the stadium to celebrate Republic Day.
         

AKRS celebrates “historic moment” of Rai tableau’s inclusion in R-Day Parade

GANGTOK, 27 Jan: After a month of hard practice and dedication, the tableau of the Kirat Khambu Rai and Sakewa Sili was presented on the occasion of 63rd Republic Day in New Delhi with full gusto, representing Sikkim and the Kirat Rai Khambu of Sikkim, informs a press release issued by the Akhil Kirat Rai Sangh [AKRS].
A group of 30 participants along with the tableau showcased the different traditions of the Kirat Khambu Rai community at Rajpath, New Delhi on Thursday. It was a “historic event for the Rai community and Sikkim as well”, the release mentions.
President AKRS Sikkim, Dr SK Rai said that it was a very successful event where the whole world was watching this historic moment on television. He has received numerous SMSes from Assam, Delhi, Kalimpong, Darjeeling, and neighboring states congratulating the successful presentation, the release mentions.
Dr Rai has also thanked everyone from the Culture department and Government of Sikkim who for the support and opportunity to present the culture and traditional of Rai community to the world, the release adds.
The cultural troupe met the Prime Minister and the President of India on 24 and 27 January respectively. Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, KN Rai, accompanied by some others was also in New Delhi to encourage the group, the release further adds.

Meritorious service acknowledged on Republic Day

GANGTOK, 27 Jan [IPR]: Governor BP Singh presented the following awards and medals on the occasion of Republic Day 2012 celebrations at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok, yestreday.
Police Medal and President’s Police Medal
1. Shri DB Thapa Retd.. SSP who was awarded President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service on the occasion of Republic Day 2011.
2. Shri Ashok Kumar Sundas Addl SP, Pangthang who was awarded Police Medal for Meritorious Service on the occasion of Independence Day, 2010.
3. Shri Chandra Pal Gurung, Rtd. SI who was awarded Police Medal for Meritorious Service on the occasion of Republic Day 2011.
Letter of Appreciation:
1. Shri Vishal Chauhan, IAS, Secretary, Agriculture/Horticulture Department.
Meritorious Service Award
1. Dr. BP Dhakal, Consultant Grade –I (Ophthalmology), Health Care, Human Services and Family welfare Department
2. Shri Tashi Tsh. Bhutia, Dy. Director, Election Department
3. Shri Man Kumar Rai, Office Superintendent, Directorate of Fisheries
4. Shri Danuri Sherpa, SI, Sikkim Armed Police
5. Shri Damber Bahadur Khulal, ASI Sikkim Police
6. Smt. Tsewang Choden Bhutia, UDC, Building and Housing Department
7. Shri Til Bahadur Rana, O.T. Technician Grade-I, Health Care, Human Services and Family Welfare Department
8. Shri Phurba Tsh. Lepcha, Bearer, Raj Bhawan.
Best Contingent Award for Republic Day parade 2012:
1. Among Central Para Military Forces- Best Platoon – Indo- Tibet Border Police
2. Among Sikkim Police- Best Platoon- Sikkim Police Mahila Platoon.
Declaration of Service Awards to Police Officers on the occasion of Republic Day 2012 was also done which are as follows:
1. President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service to Shri Oma Hang Subba, Addl. Director General of Police, Police Headquarter Gangtok.
2. Police Medal for Meritorious Service to Shri Surendra Kumar Pradhan, Addl. Superintendent of Police, Home Guards and Civil Defence, Gangtok.

NHPC celebrates Republic Day

GANGTOK, 27 Jan: The 63rd Republic Day was celebrated at Teesta-V Power Station and Teesta-IV Project, informs a press release. The programme was attended by General Manager [O&M], DK Ray as the chief guest.
Apart from the regular programmes, traditional dances and patriotic songs were presented by the students of Kendriya Vidyalaya, the release informs. Students excelling in various cultural activities were felicitated on the day.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. TKR Naga, Principal of Kendriya Vidyalaya and other senior project officials, employees and school children were also present during the programme.

Namchi runs for unity on Republic Day

NAMCHI, 27 Jan: The 63rd Republic Day was celebrated in Namchi at the Community Hall with the Namchi-Singithang MLA, Binod Rai as chief guest.
The first half of the programme had the customary Republic Day events. In the second session of celebrations, which was held at the Central Park, the chief guest flagged off a marathon - ‘Run for the Unity of the Country’ jointly organised by the District Administrative Centre Namchi, Sports and Youth Affairs Department and Nehru Yuva Kendra, Namchi Chapter.
The marathon was held in the Under 14 boys and girls (10 kms) and 15 to 35 years male (21 kms) and female (15 kms) categories. The winners were awarded with cash prize and certificates by the chief guest.
In the Under 14 girls, Reena Harijan bagged the first position and cash prize of Rs 5000 followed by Deepika Kari and Renuka Sharma coming in second and third respectively bagging cash prizes of Rs 3000 and Rs 2000.
In the Under 14 boys, Debesh Budathoki won the marathon while Rahul Chettri and Tika Ram Nirola came in second and third respectively. The winners were awarded with cash prize of Rs 5000, Rs 3000 and Rs 2000 respectively.
In the 15 to 35 yrs female category, Mangali Tamang, Anita Dhakal and Dolma Sherpa stood in the first, second and third positions respectively. The winners were awarded Rs 10,000, Rs 7,000 and Rs 5000 respectively.
Likewise, in the males category for the same age group, Nima Tshering Tamang won the marathon for the 2nd year and took home a cash prize of Rs 15,000 while Prable Chettri and Jai Badhur Pradha came in second and third respectively and bagged Rs10,000 and Rs 7,000 respectively.
During the function the chief guest also presented Certificates of Appreciation sponsored by District Administrative Centre, Namchi, to selected Government Officers and their team for their commendable efforts in the aftermath of the 18 Sept earthquake.
ADC [South], SL Rai, ADC [Dev], DK Pradhan, ADC East, Suman Thapa who was SDM at Namchi earlier, SDM Namchi [SDM Chungthang at present], RK Yadav, SDM (Ravangla), PK Rai, Under Secretary RMDD, Bandana Chettri, DPO SDZP, Yangchen D Tamang, US HRDD, Subha Mukhia, DE Building and Housing, Milan Pradhan, SDPO Jorethang, BB Subba, BDO team of Temi, Yanggang, Namthang, Ravangla, Sikkip, Sumbuk were awarded the certificates.

The gathering was also entertained by a District Level Culture Competition organised by Nehru Yuva Kendra, Namchi Chapter. Sangam Samaj group from Borong were adjudged as the winners of the competition and were awarded cash prize of Rs 5,000 which was sponsored by the chief guest.

CM calls for renewed resolve to power speedy development

REPUBLIC DAY MESSAGE OF THE CHIEF MINISTER
GANGTOK, 25 Jan: Commenting that the development scenario in Sikkim today was “multi-faceted” and “based on equity and fair play, greater access and affordability”, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, in his Republic Day message to the people has invited all Sikkimese to “rededicate ourselves to the cause of continued peace and harmony”. “Let us renew and resolve to contribute our mite to the speedy development of Sikkim and the Country, as always,” he appeals.
Reiterating his commitment, the CM states, “Truly empowered by the law of the land and blessed by the power of the people, I once again commit myself to the great task of State and Nation building”.
“My fellow Sikkimese, although we conduct ourselves under certain political arrangement, I am not for short-term political gain. Since the time the Sikkimese people voted us to run their government, I have tried to see beyond political rivalry and complicity but more firmly glued to the idea of securing greatest happiness for all my fellow citizens for all time to come,” he assures.
On the developmental plans, he informs that “traditional bottlenecks including inadequate connectivity, socio-economic disparity, lack of infrastructure for various high end activities and institute building are being taken care of”.
Important elements in the social sector like education, health, poverty eradication, human resource development, agriculture and horticulture, animal care, women empowerment and child protection etc. have been adequately addressed, he highlights while adding that infrastructure development and expansion was progressing at a smart pace as well.
Congratulating the people on the progress and prosperity already achieved, the CM highlights that “Sikkim today stands tall as one of the most progressive States in the Country with the correct mix of traditional and modernity with the range of development strategy that is one of the best in the Country”.
Here, he also points out that when he took charge as the Chief Minister of Sikkim for a record fourth term in 2009, a clear commitment was made to upgrade the development strategies and ambitious Mission Statements with time bound commitment were spelled out. The 42-day village to village tour undertaken by him last year facilitated a more intimate interaction at the very personal level leading to some important announcements and initiatives, he shares while detailing the developmental targets and policy decisions taken immediately after.
The CM, in his R-Day address, also reminds people of the period between 1975 to the early 1990 which, he points out, “was fraught with political duplicity threatening to tear apart fledgling democracy taking deeper roots in the Sikkimese society”.
The formation of the Sikkim Democratic Front and the growing sagacity of Sikkimese people, brought about a course correction and salvaged democracy in Sikkim, he states, adding that this collaboration has made Sikkim a “happy exception” to the many parts of the country which are “continuously struggling against development deficit”.
“In addition to benchmarking of high development regime, we have also completed some very rare and major projects to further promote Sikkim as the major destination with their inbuilt spin off benefit accruing to large sections of Sikkimese people,” he adds.
“Over the decades, we have initiated many developmental measures to provide for a more congenial environment of growth and uplift the condition of the poor and the vulnerable,” he shares, while adding that this commitment continues to underline governance in Sikkim.

Governor salutes optimism of Sikkimese people in R-Day message

GANGTOK, 25 Jan: “I am happy that the 18th September earthquake has not marred the optimism of our people,” states Governor BP Singh in his Republic Day message to the people of Sikkim. The Governor’s R-Day address, which details Sikkim’s developmental achievements and future plans, devotes a substantial portion on the 18 September Earthquake, its aftermath and the continuing rehabilitation works. “Although the State’s economic activities were temporarily impaired, we are resolved to reinstate Sikkim back on the path of progress,” the Governor assures.
Pointing out that the earthquake impacted every person in the State, the Governor conveys his special gratitude towards the “brave jawans and officers of the security and police forces who provided urgent and valuable assistance in relief and rescue operations”.
“People showed exemplary patience and courage in this natural calamity,” the Governor records, highlighting that it is inspiriting to recall that there were no reports of thefts or stampede for food and relief materials. “Young boys and girls came forward in remote areas of north Sikkim to lend their hands in running of temporary shelters as well as relief camps. This was an inspirational sight,” he states.
The rehabilitation work is now afoot, he details, while commenting that the temblor “brought before the Government agencies as well as to the people of the State new realities”. “It is quite evident that we need earthquake proof houses, better built roads, nature resistant water pipelines and earthquake resistant workplaces. Our existing urban building laws and the construction manual need close scrutiny,” he observes.
Pointing out that the role of the youth will be important to the rebuilding efforts, the Governor welcomes that many of them have come forward to become civil contractors and tour operators.
“Our educational institutions and capacity building institute should cater to the requirements of these persons as well as of our engineers by making them available fresh ideas and training programmes so that we can build roads and houses of world standards. Similarly, our tourism facilities including logistic support system need to be upgraded to achieve global standards,” he advices.
Detailing the various developmental achievements and future plans of the State Government, the Governor stresses that the challenges of the 21st century need to be met by building a knowledge-based society
“Several developments in recent times have taught us the need to cultivate positive thinking and to work in unison. Let us pledge to move together with earnestness on a path of development and progress. Let peace, harmony and development continue to be Sikkim’s distinctive features,” he appeals, adding: “The peace-loving people of Sikkim are both a source of motivation as well as an important ally in the development of the State. We seek their cooperation as stakeholders in the effective execution of the schemes and policies of the government”.

South discusses Republic Day celebrations

NAMCHI, 13 Jan: A meeting to discuss the celebration of Republic Day, 2012 was held on 11 January  at the Conference Hall of the District Administrative Center, Namchi which was chaired by the District Collector, South, AK Singh.
During the meeting it was informed that the Republic Day celebration would be carried out in the usual manner with the hoisting of the National Flag and reading out of the messages of the Governor and Chief Minister of Sikkim respectively.
It was also declared that a half marathon with the theme “Run for Unity’ of the Country”, initiated in 2010 would be carried out this year too. The different suggestions and opinions from the members present during the meeting was also sought to make the celebration of Republic Day grand.
The meeting also decided the prize money for the winners of marathon runners under different categories and work was also distributed to the different department heads and officers. The DC South asked the line departments to coordinate with all members of the celebration committee. The meeting also decided to conduct a review meeting on 20 January at DAC Conference Hall.
The meeting was also attended by Chairman Namchi Municipal Council, BT Tamang, VC NMC, NH Ansari and the Heads of departments and officers of the line departments.

Run for Unity this Republic Day

GANGTOK, 13 Jan: A ‘Run for the Unity of the Country’ event is being organized by the Department of Sports & Youth Affairs [SYA], Namchi, in association with District Administrative Centre [Namchi] and Nehru Yuva Kendra [Namchi] on the occasion of Republic Day on 26 January at Namchi.
The decision to organize this event was taken at a meeting held at the Namchi DAC and attended by the officials and representatives from SYA, DAC and NYK on 11 January.
The event will have Men’s Open Half Marathon of 21 kms for the 14-35 age-group and a prize money of Rs. 15,000 for the winner, Rs. 10,000 for the runner-up and a third prize of Rs. 7,000. The Women’s Open, a 15 km race, again for the age-group of 14-35 yrs, has prizes of Rs. 10,000, Rs. 7,000 and Rs. 5,000 for first, second and third positions respectively. The final event will be the U-14 boys and girls Cross Country Race with Rs. 5000, Rs. 3000, and Rs. 2000 as first, second and third prizes respectively.
The Sports & Youth Affairs [Namchi] Assistant Director, NK Chettri informs that the main objective of the event is to promote national integration and unity among the people and also to encourage the youth and children towards sports.

AKRS begins preparations for R-Day Rai tableau

ORGANISATION UPSET WITH CULTURE DEPTT’S IRRESPONSIBILITY
NAMCHI, 05 Dec: A meeting of the Akhil Kirat Rai Sangh [AKRS], Sikkim, held  in Namchi, chaired by Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, KN Rai, on Sunday, the Association lashed out against the Cultural Affairs and Heritage Department for what the association sees as “carelessness in the preparation of the design of the Rai tableau to be showcased in New Delhi on the Republic Day, 2012 celebrations, informs an AKRS press release.

AKRS meets to discuss Rai Tableau for Republic Day 2012

GANGTOK, 28 Nov: A meeting of Akhil Kirat Rai Sangh (AKRS), Sikkim was held under the chairmanship of Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, KN Rai, at his residence to discuss the Tableau of the Rai community which is scheduled to be included in the Republic Day parade in New Delhi next year, informs a press release.