SMU holds 20th Convocation ceremony on a virtual platform

Gangtok September 27: A total of 932 students of Sikkim Manipal University (SMU) received their degrees in various multi-disciplinary graduate, post graduate and PhD programmes during its 20th e-Convocation on Saturday, 26th September 2020. This is the first time in its history that SMU conducted its Convocation virtually due to the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gold and silver medal awardees, including students from the MBBS, MD, MS, B.Tech, M.Tech, BSc & MSc Nursing, Bachelors & Masters in Physiotherapy, Biotechnology & Business Administration, BCA, MCA, MSc Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and other courses, including PhD scholars in various disciplines participated in the ceremony from the safety of their homes, as they were bestowed with their degrees and medals conferred on the online platform.
The entire ceremony was meticulously planned and seamlessly anchored by the team consisting of faculty and staff members from various SMU constituent colleges and units. Praiseworthy support was rendered by the IT team led by Shri. Anand Ruhela, Head IT, SMU and also the engineering and other departments.
Shri Rajen Padukone, Pro-Chancellor, SMU, in his welcome speech expressed his gratitude to Shri Ganga Prasad, Hon’ble Governor of Sikkim and Chancellor of SMU for his valued guidance. He also thanked the Government of Sikkim, ably led by Chief Minister, Shri Prem Singh Tamang for the continued support to SMU and the state to achieve greater laurels. Complimenting the University, he added “It gives me great pride in saying that SMU and its constituent units have quickly adapted to the challenges posed by the pandemic through online teaching, webinars and examinations during COVID-19 lockdowns and constraints. We have successfully added digital learning platforms to our existing methods of imparting quality education to our students.
Hon’ble Governor of Sikkim, Shri Ganga Prasad, who is also the Chancellor of SMU, presided over the online function and congratulated the students, faculty, staff and management. “Since 1995, guided by the vision to achieve global leadership in human development and excellence in education and healthcare, Sikkim Manipal University has made praiseworthy achievements in its remarkable journey of over two decades”.
Earlier, Lt. Gen Dr. Rajan S Grewal, Vice-Chancellor, SMU, while presenting the highlights, of the university recounted the various momentous milestones since its inception. He said “SMU is the first successful PPP model in higher education between the Government of Sikkim and the Manipal Pai Foundation”. Today, we can proudly say that we have contributed significantly in the field of high quality education and specialised health care in Sikkim and the North East region of the country. 56% of our employees are locals and the gender ratio is an impressive 52% in favour of women employees. We have made significant strides in the field of research, innnovation and digitization he added.
The chief guest on the occasion, Shri Abhay Kumar Vaish, Senior Vice-President, Head of Business Unit MS IT & ADM, Ericsson Global India, in his Convocation address, talked about the various challenges faced by students and educational institutions across the globe, calling it “unprecedented times.” He spoke about the virtues of courage, perseverance and loyalty that were essential in character building. He urged the students to give back to the society by being humble and grateful to all those who have contributed to their lives, in big or small ways.
The programme ended with the Vote of Thanks by Dr. Karma S Sherpa, Registrar, SMU. The entire event was webcast for the students, alumni and public viewing through all virtual media platforms like Microsoft Team, Facebook and YouTube, which was made possible by the state of the art IT platform available at Sikkim Manipal University.

From the official page of the Hon’ble Chief Minister

On behalf of the Sikkimese people, I extend my warm greeting to all and salutations to the COVID warriors on the occasion of World Tourism Day.
Blessed with the most hospitable people, mesmerizing landscape, rich biodiversity, vibrant culture, breathtaking treks, pristine nature and ancient monasteries- Sikkim is a true travellers destination.
Sikkim Tourism is guided by the Principals of Cultural Integrity, Equity Inclusiveness & Social Justice, and Environmental Sustainability & Atithi Devo Bhava. These Principals have been an integral part of the Sikkimese culture and way of life.
With more than 500 species of orchids, the Khangchendzonga National Park a UNESCO declared world heritage site exhibiting one of the widest altitudinal ranges of any protected area worldwide, the majestic Mt.Khangchendzonga, the 3rd highest mountain in the world in the background, unspoiled sanctuaries, rich wildlife, floras and fauna, gushing rivers, Sikkim is a trekkers delight.
Sikkim’s homestays are an unforgettable experience and a great way to explore local culture, cuisine and traditions. It’s a break from the hustle of urban life amid virgin nature and simple village folks of diverse ethnicity.
Intending to provide the travellers with added world-class experience of nature and rural life, Sikkim has embarked on the mission of development of Eco-Tourism Pilgrimage complex at Dodak in West Sikkim and a herbal, medicine/ yoga, spiritual healing tourism complex at Nandugoan in south Sikkim.
Having already made a niche in pilgrimage tourism, wildlife tourism & birds and butterfly watching. We will also be promoting ADVENTURE TOURISM in the coming tourist season to make Sikkim a world-class Adventure Destination by focusing on new trekking routes having ultra-modern facilities, mountain climbing, river traversing, yak safaris, mountain biking and more.
We are well aware of the pandemic which has adversely impacted the entire economy. In the scheme of things, a small state like Sikkim has been badly affected as the majority of our population directly or indirectly are dependent on the tourism industry. I am grateful towards the Government of India for their concern and assistance during the pandemic. I hope they will further assist us in the survival and regeneration of the tourism sector in the State.
Once again I would like to wish all my fellow citizens a very Happy World Tourism Day and hope the days to come will bring everlasting happiness and prosperity.

SUMMARY OF COVID-19 HEALTH BULLETIN

Total Tests Conducted = 49099.
Total Active Cases = 705.
Cured & Discharged = 2016
Deaths =31
Cumulative Total = 2752.
Total Covid-19 Positive Cases Reported today = 48( 36 on RTPCR, 7 on TruNat and 5 on RAT)
The Breakup of cases on RTPCR :
1 from Deorali.
2 from Daragaon, Tadong.
1 from MG Marg.
8 from Samman Bhawan staff.
1 from Ranipool.
1 from near TNSS School
2 from PNG Road.
2 from below Paljor Stadium.
2 from 6th Mile.
1 from 5th Mile.
1 from Chongay.
2 from VIP colony.
1 from CRH staff, staying in Metro Point.
2 from District Hospital Singtam staff.
1 from Majhitar, Rangpo.
2 from SSB Yuksom.
1 from Yuksom.
1 from Gerethang, West Sikkim.
2 from Geyzing.
The Breakup of cases on TruNat :
3 from CPWD Quarantine facility.
1 from Nayabazaar, West Sikkim.
1 from Mangzing.
2 from Railway Guest house, Sichey.
The Breakup of cases on Rapid Antigen Testing:
1 from near Niya Brum, Mangzing.
1 from lower Arithang.
1 from Daragaon near Shiva Mandir, Assam Lingzey.
1 from near School, Lingding.
1 from Tashiling.
It was also informed in the bulletin that the two persons who were tested positive were not been able to track in their phone numbers.
A 49 year old male from Gangtok and 53 year old female from Development Area have been requested by the health authority to immediately contact the toll free number.

Gyalshing Municipal Council signed a MoU with CSIR

Gyalshing, Sept.26 (IPR):Gyalshing Municipal Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CSIR- Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh for the installation of an Anaerobic Bio Digester Plant virtually, through video conferencing, today.
The Hon`ble Minister-cum-Area MLA of Gyalshing Bermiok Constituency Shri LN Sharma attended the programme virtually from Gangtok who was also joined by the Hon`ble Chairman GMC Shri IK Neopaney and Municipal Executive Officer Smt. Bhumika Pradhan from Gyalshing.
It may be mentioned here that the proposed digester will resolve the purpose of disposing the organic waste of the Municipal Council Gyalshing and the Biogas produces will be utilised by the municipality for cooking purpose. The quality compost produced will be made use in the agricultural farm lands.
The programme was organized on the occasion of 79th Foundation Day Celebration of CSIR which was also attended by Dr. Shekhar C Mande, Director General, CSIR & Secretary, Department of Scientific & Industrial Research, Govt. of India; Prof. Anil K Gupta, CSIR Bhatnagar fellow-cum-Founder of Honey Bee Network; Dr Sanjay Kumar Director CSIR-IHBT, Palampur.
Minister Sharma, in his brief address, marked the official formalities of signing an MoU as an achievement to address the issue of Organic Waste Management in Municipality Council Gyalshing. He also recalled contributions and cooperations of CSIR-IHBT to sanction the various notable ongoing project in Sikkim including Moonew Tareybhir Enriched Composting/ Vermicomposting Cluster and Shiitake Mushroom Production and Processing Unit in West and South Sikkim.
He also recalled their contributions for the establishment of Common Facility Centre (CFC) that will be comprising of a microbial culture room, bioreactor room, compost quality test room, training hall and model 20 concrete compost pits. The project will impact 200 farmers where each farmer will get composting shades and toolkit and are expected to earn additional Rs 30,000/- per year by selling enriched compost, he added.
Minister Sharma also urged them to extend their expertise for scientific and technological intervention in upcoming plannings likewise Roof Top Organic Vegetable Cultivation, Aromatic Plantation, Herbal Garden, Lemon grass Plantation , Oil Distillation Unit, legacy waste management, bee keeping, feed mills and bio friendly technical plants, technical support for fisheries farming etc.
The institute of IHBT assured to send research team comprising of technical experts and the scientists for empirical study and necessary technological supports. The program took off with the ‘Virtual Plantation’ within the premises of the institution at Palampur HP by Hon’ble Minister Shri L N Sharma, Dr.Shekhar C Mande Directer General, CSIR & Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Govt. of India and Professor Anil Kumar Gupta ,CSIR Bhatnagar fellow-cum-Founder of Honey Bee Network ending with the National Anthem.

Fourth day awareness campaign to educate public on Covid-19

Gyalshing, 25th Sept.(IPR): The fourth day awareness campaign on Covid-19 to prevent the outbreak in the state and making people more aware about its prevention and dealing with it as per the Government guidelines, the Information and Public Relations Department (IPR) West Gyalshing, under the guidance of DC West, geared up its day 4 intensive miking.
The vehicle was decked with a banner to popularise preventive practice of Covid-19 like use of masks while going out, maintaining social distancing, frequenting washing of hands with soap and no spitting at public places. The recorded audio on these preventive practices were also played while the vehicle moved around the different places.
Today’s awareness campaign started from Dentam covering its entire neighboring places with the hope that maximum of the people gets aware and prepare for the challenges. The long journey was wrapped around 6 PM with Ribdi being the last spot.