Mangan January 22(IPR): The Malling Youth Club of Mangan, organized the International Mountain Day 2021 at the auditorium of Mangan Senior Secondary School, today. Hon’ble Minister for Roads and Bridges Department Shri Samdup Lepcha was the chief guest of the event. He was accompanied by Chairman- Sikkim Welfare Commission Shri. Nim Tshering Lepcha, SDPO (Mangan) Shri Tseten Palzor, Additional Political Secretary to HCM North Shri Tshering Wangyal Bhutia, Additional District Magistrate (ADM-North) Shri. Sonam Lepcha, other officials, students and the public.
It may be mentioned here that the International Mountain Day is celebrated on the 11th of December but because of the pandemic, it couldn’t be observed in the previous year.
In his address, the Minister appreciated the Malling Youth Club and called them the future of Sikkim. He stated that the state government would support the youth whole-heartedly in all their endeavors for a better Sikkim. He said that the energy and the spirit of the Sikkimese youth is admirable and an example for others to follow. Mr. Lepcha added that the mountains are one true basic element of nature for they give us water. He reminded that as Sikkimese, mountains are our guardian deities and sacred and as mountain people ourselves, it should be our duty and our responsibility to protect and respect the mountains.
ADM North, in his brief address applauded the youth for their participation in protecting the environment and particularly for their roles in the protection of mountains, thereby contributing to effective administrative strategies and achievements. He reminded the gathering to adhere to the COVID 19 protocols at all times.
A short film titled ‘The Lost Path’ directed by Sonam Pintso Bhutia and Jigmey Wongchok Bhutia was screened at the event. It was informed that the entire film had been shot and edited on their mobile phones. The youth of Malling gifted a painting and a dreamcatcher to the chief guest.
The programme had cultural dances, poem recitation, themed art and entertainment performances and concluded with a band performance by The Diwash Rai Project.
Earlier in the day, the Minister visited and inspected the District Administrative Centre, Mangan. He was accompanied by Area MLA- Dzongu cum Advisor- Power Department Shri Pintso Namgyal, Chairperson- Sikkim State Commission for Women, Smt. Chungkipu Lepcha, the District Collector (North) Shri Tenzing T. Kaleon other district heads and officials. Thereafter, the Minister handed cheques to 14 beneficiaries as land compensation for the area acquired by the Roads and Bridges Department, used in the construction of the 225 metres double lane bridge over Kanaka River.