SBA NE and Sikkim State Ambassadors Sotal Kri and Bimal Lamichaney Lead the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan Campaign at Sikkim School

On March 31, 2023, Sakyong Chisopani Junior High School hosted an awareness program on the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan initiative. In addition, it opened a new school playground. Notable people attended the event, including Mr Sotai Kri, the North East Swachh Bharat Mission Ambassador, and Mr Bimal Lamichaney, the Sikkim State Swachh Bharat Ambassador, Suresh Tamang, President, Singtam Nagar Panchayat, Sanjay Agarwal, Rangpo Nagar Panchayat Brand Ambassador, Praja Pradhan, Gangtok District Ambassador, MEO Singtam, Timku Adhikari, Singtam Brand Ambassador among others. 

The program was designed to raise awareness about cleanliness and the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan initiative in schools. Mr Dorjee Sherpa, the Khamdong BAC Deputy Director, emphasized the importance of cleanliness and the department's initiatives towards the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in schools. Sakyong Chisopani Junior High School students showcased various cultural activities to promote cleanliness. Different people to speak on the occasion included Sotal Kri, Bimal Lamichaney, PB Subba and others.

The event also marked the opening of a new school playground, inaugurated by Deputy Director Mr Dorjee Sherpa. The playground was gifted by the 17000 feet Foundation. The playground is expected to provide a safe and conducive environment for students to engage in physical activities and promote their overall well-being. The children's playground was built according to the direction of the Foundation involving the School, Guardian and SMC members, told PB Subba, Headmaster of the school in his speech. He thanked the organisation for its generosity. 

Towards the end of the program, a short rally was organized to promote cleanliness. The participants were encouraged to actively participate in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan initiative.

Overall, the event was a significant milestone for Sakyong Chisopani Junior High School in promoting cleanliness and a healthy lifestyle for its students. The school hopes that the program will inspire students to become responsible citizens and contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.

Philatelists from Sikkim and Darjeeling felicitated at Siliguri HPO

On March 24, the Government of India's Department of Posts, North Bengal & Sikkim Region, honored three philatelists for their outstanding performance in the National Level Stamp Exhibition. The event took place during the inauguration of the Siliguri Philatelic Bureau. Roshan Prasad of Sikkim, Vivek Yonzone of Darjeeling, and Uday Mani Pradhan of Darjeeling were recognized for their exceptional efforts and dedication to the art of philately. 

All three won medals at the National Level Stamp Exhibition held earlier this year. Roshan Prasad won the Silver Medal in the 'Thematic Philately' category for his exhibit on "The Story of Cricket", Vivek Yonzone won the Silver Medal in the Thematic Philately' category for his exhibit on "Elements of Music" and Uday Mani Pradhan won the Bronze Medal in the 'Thematic Philately' category for his exhibit on "Rotary International." 

The Department of Posts congratulates the winners on their outstanding achievements and recognizes their contribution to the promotion of philately in the Hills. The felicitation ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Department of Posts, including the Postmaster General of the North Bengal Region. Speaking at the event, the Postmaster General said, "Philately is not just a hobby, but it is also a way to learn about our history, culture, and heritage. We are proud of our Philatelists, who have brought laurels to the state through their hard work and dedication." 

The Siliguri Philatelic Bureau is a hub for philately enthusiasts in North Bengal Region. It is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, and it provides services such as selling of stamps, cancellation services, and a dedicated philatelic counter. The Department of Posts is committed to promoting philately in the country and recognizes the role of Philatelists in preserving and promoting our heritage.

The felicitation of the winners at the Siliguri Philatelic Bureau is a step towards recognizing the contribution of Philatelists and promoting philately as an art form and a hobby in India.

17000 ft Organisation gifted Children Park inaugurated at Dochum JHS

March 24, 2023: Dochum Junior High School held the opening ceremony for the Children's Park and Digi Lab gifted by the 17000 ft Organisation. The event was graced by the presence of Smt. Phumshi Bhutia, President of the Sirwani GPU, inaugurated the park. The highlight of the day was the felicitation program and cultural performances by the students of Dochum JHS.

The Education Department of Khamdong BAC was represented at the event, with Shri Dorjee Sherpa, Deputy Director, Shri JB Chettri, Assistant Director, and Miss Himali Lamichaney, CRC. Other distinguished guests included Shri Suman Lamichaney, Zilla Panchayat, former and current Panchayat members of Sirwani GPU, senior advisors of the school development committee, parents, students and others.

During the event, special guests, former and current Zilla Panchayats, Panchayats, and senior community members were felicitated for their contributions to the school. The school Incharge, Bunu Shanker, also spoke at the event and expressed pride in the school's involvement in the fencing of the children's park as directed by the 17000 ft Organisation. Shanker extended thanks to the School Managing Committee and guardians for their contributions.

The students of Dochum JHS presented various performances, including dances, songs, poetry recitations, and fashion shows. The event was hosted by Shri JB Subba, the Language Teacher at the school. The 17000 ft Organisation was given special thanks for their generous donation.

Overall, the opening of the Children's Park at Dochum JHS was a successful and celebratory event, with many notable guests and impressive performances from the students.

Two days Jolly Phonics Training starts at Sonamati SSS

17.03.23: A two-day Jolly Phonics training program for pre-primary and primary school teachers who teach English in Class I began at Sonamati SSS in Khamdong. The training program is for eighteen schools from the Khamdong Block, six schools from the Rakdong Tintek Block, and two schools from the Martam Block. The resource person for the training is Ms Nikita Kashyap, from Kids World Education Consultants in Mumbai.

The Hon'ble Minister of the Education Department, Shri Kunga Nima Lepcha, the Director (SE) of the Education Department, Shri K.C. Gyatso, and CEO Gangtok, Smt. Tshering Kee Chingappa, attended the afternoon sessions. The Honourable Minister addressed the teachers and asked them to devote their full efforts to the implementation of their learning. He was highly impressed by the active participation of teachers. The Director also addressed teachers and expressed his gratitude to Ms Nikita Kashyap. 

Mr Dorjee Sherpa, Deputy Director of the Education Department in Khamdong, extended his thanks to the Hon'ble Minister and the senior officers of the Department for visiting the Khamdong training centre.

Third Shiv Lata Free Scholarship 2023-24 Awarded to Awkash Mishra and Astina Thami

11.03.23: Among the sixteen students participating in the 3rd Shiv Lata Free Scholarship Examination 2023, Master Awkash Mishra and Miss Astina Thami were selected. Both students received certificates of achievement, school bags, copies, and new session books at a function at Riverine Elementary School, Melatar, Rongli. Padam Raj Mishra and Seman Thami, parents of the awardee students were also offered khadas. 

The scholarship is for the students of the BPL category and is supported by the Shiv Lata family. The question is prepared by  Shri Shital Pradhan, a teacher of Sakyong Chisopani JHS having a teaching experience of 19 years and evaluated by Shri Lomas Dhungel, PGT Maths from Makha SSS and also a National Awardee. The selected students study at Riverine Elementary school from classes 6 to 8 for free. 

Present on the result declaration day, the program included family members of the late Shiba Narayan Pradhan and late Nirlata Pradhan, under whom the free scholarship is conducted. In addition, Mohan Gurung, Ward No. 1 Panchayat, members of SMCs, and guardians. Shri LN Pradhan was made the Chief Guest of the day.

On the day, members of the Shiv Lata family donated a set of musical instruments to the students of Riverine Elementary School. The instrument was handed over to Shri Biki Rai and Shri Santosh Rai, Principal and Vice Principal of Riverine Elementary School.

Anamika Pradhan, Director of Riverine Elementary School, informed the gathered crowd regarding the 3rd Shiv Lata Free Scholarship Examination 2023. Shital Pradhan, representing the family, spoke on the occasion. Other people to speak on the occasion included Titus Rai, on behalf of the guardian. Leelan Chettri and Yamoye Tamang, teachers of the school gave the welcome speech and the vote of thanks respectively. Shri Santosh Rai, Vice Principal was the host of the day. Students from Riverine Elementary School performed a folk dance.

Orientation program on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy held at Sonamati SSS

 09.03.23: Orientation of Heads of Institutes and Teachers under Khamdong BAC and Rakdong Tintek BAC was held at Sonamati SSS. School Heads of 27 schools and one primary teacher from each of the twenty-seven schools attended the first day of the four-day FLN training for the month of March.

Shri Ani Rudra Bastakoti, Zilla Panchayat, Dung-dung Thasha territorial constituency was the Chief Guest of the day. Other special guests at the inaugural day function included Shri Shyam Lall, Deputy Director, Rakdong Tintek BAC and Shri Sagar Niroula, Assistant Director, Education Department, Rakdong Tintek BAC.

The three resource persons from SCERT, Dr Mahindra Tamang, Shri Rajiv Philip; and Shri Suraj Sharma. AEOs from Khamdong and Tintek BACs, Principals of Sang SSS, Makha SSS, Singtam SSS and Sonamati SSS Khamdong, HMS and teachers CRCs also attended the function.

It is essential that the participants become familiar with FLN concepts and work hard to achieve their goal of foundational literacy and numeracy told Shri Dorjee Sherpa, Deputy Director, Khamdong BAC in his briefing about the FLN program. The Chief Guest urged the participants to update themselves with modern approaches to teaching and change methodology by making the learning process more effective.

In their presentation, the Resource Persons from SCERT - Dr Mahindra Tamang, Assistant Professor and Shri Suraj Sharma, Lecturer provided teachers with information on how to access modern teaching methodologies. The FLN orientation provided teachers with an opportunity to learn about various FLN concepts, including phonetics, vocabulary building, and interactive learning.

As part of the program, innovative teaching techniques were demonstrated to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes and to build a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy skills prior to entering grade-3. Both Resource Persons agreed that foundational literacy and numeracy skills are crucial to addressing skill challenges. The orientation program received positive feedback from participants, who expressed enthusiasm for implementing new teaching techniques in their classrooms.

Anita Chettri recognized for her contributions to affordable healthcare on Jan Aushadhi Day

07.03.23: Mrs. Anita Chettri, proprietor of Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadi Kendra, Singtam was felicitated with the Jan Aushadhi Sarvashrestha 2022-23, in recognition of her outstanding accomplishments in the state of Sikkim among the Jan Aushadhi Kendra. Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, the Governor of Sikkim, presented her with a memento and khada at a Jan Aushadhi Day program held at the New STNM Hospital Auditorium, Socheythang, Gangtok. The program was organized by the Department of Health and Family Welfare of the Government of Sikkim. 

It is an initiative launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India, to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the masses through special kendras known as Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana Kendra. 

Anita Chettri told under the scheme, generic medicines are made available at affordable prices through Jan Aushadhi stores across the country. The medicines available at Jan Ausadi Kendra are 50–90% cheaper than medicines sold at chemist shops and are ISO & GMP certified. In addition, the day is an opportunity to encourage people to switch to generic medicines and to promote their use in the country, stated Chettri.