Shantinagar Gaon Sudhar Samiti Organizes Prayer Service in Memory of Pangthang Victim of Heinous Crime

Shantinagar, Sikkim - On April 22, 2023, the Shantinagar Gaon Sudhar Samiti organized a prayer service in honour of a young school-going girl who was a victim of a heinous crime that shook the entire state of Sikkim. 

The gathering included distinguished guests such as Shri LN Pradhan, President of the Sikkim Government Retired Employee Welfare Association, Singtam Branch, Shri Mohan Pradhan Neeraj, Sansthapak, Singtam Basibiyalo, and Shri Bijay Pradhan. Members of several local organizations including Shantinagar Gaon Sudhar Samiti, Golitar Samaj, Anmol Samaj, Dhamala Colony, Shanti Sewa Samaj, Juice Factory, and Tinek Samaj were also present.

During the prayer service, a two-minute mourning period was observed followed by a silent candle rally. Nishant Dulal, the General Secretary of SGSS, provided information about the organization of the gathering. Krishna Chettri, the President of SGSS, spoke out against the shocking crime at Pangthang and requested that the law personnel punish the culprit with the severest punishment possible as an example for everyone. He also offered condolences to the family members in their deep hour of sorrow.

Chettri also gave an awareness talk to the gathered people, specifically addressing the young students present, cautioning them not to be lured by sweets from strangers. To further show their support, a silent rally was organized from the Badminton Court to the gate of Archigos Preparatory Academy and back to the court.

Shital Pradhan, a member of SGSS, concluded the event by giving a vote of thanks.

"We are honoured to have such a supportive community come together to honour the memory of the young victim of this heinous crime," said Chettri. "We hope that events like these will help to raise awareness and promote safety for our children and community members."

Singtam Government Retired Employees Celebrate Nepali New Year and Ambedkar Jayanti

Singtam, Sikkim - On March 14th, 2023, the Singtam Branch of the Sikkim Government Retired Employees Welfare Association (SGREWA) celebrated Baisakhi, the Nepali New Year, at their office premises. The event was a joyous occasion, featuring poetry recitation, singing, and talks about the origins of Baisakhi and the late Dr. BR Ambedkar.

Distinguished guests in attendance included Shri Dorjee Sherpa, Deputy Director of the Education Department at Khamdong BAC, Dr. JB Gurung, and members of SGREWA Singtam Branch and Tumin Lingi Branch. Shri Madan Sapkota and Shri NK Dahal from Makha represented SGREWA Tumin Lingi Branch. The celebration was hosted by Smt. Jayshri Chettri also informed the gathered audience about the Ambedkar Jayanti and the importance of the Indian Constitution. 

The highlight of the event was a speech by Shri Bikash Bhattarai, PGT Nepali at Singtam SSS, who spoke about the origin of Baisakhi and Bikram Samvat. Shri NK Dahal and Shri Kamal Tirwa recited Nepali poems that were highly appreciated by the audience. Amisa Kami, a student at Singtam Senior Secondary School, sang the song "Jaha Bagcha Tista Rangeet," leaving everyone speechless.

To lighten the mood, Shri CP Pradhan shared some Nepali jokes, and a short, entertaining quiz was hosted by Smt. Hansa Rai. The program ended with a Nepali dance performed by members of the organization. Shri LN Pradhan, President of SGREWA Singtam Branch, gave the vote of thanks.

SGREWA Singtam Branch is a non-profit organization that works for the welfare of retired government employees in Sikkim. This celebration was a way for them to come together and commemorate an important occasion in Nepali culture.

The event was a huge success, and the Singtam Branch of SGREWA looks forward to continuing their tradition of celebrating Nepali New Year in the years to come.

SGSS Felicitates The Poet Idol Finalist Neelam Gurung on BR Ambedkar's Birth Anniversary

Singtam, April 14th, 2023 – The Shantinagar Gaon Sudhar Samiti (SGSS) organized a two-phase program on April 14th, 2023, to commemorate the birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar, the father of the Indian Constitution. The program was held at the Badminton Court in Shantinagar, Singtam and the Rangpo Tourism Office.

In the morning session, Ambedkar Jayanti was celebrated at the Badminton Court, Shantinagar attended by Deepa Chettri, Panchayat Shantinagar Ward, and members of the SGSS. The program began with the offering of khada to the frame of the great leader of India. Nisu Dulal, the General Secretary of the organization, spoke about the day’s program. Shital Pradhan, a member of the Samiti, emphasized the importance of the Indian Constitution to the gathered audience.

Krishna Chettri, the President of SGSS, delivered a speech about the significance of the day and expressed gratitude to Babasaheb for his vision of a better India. He also raised awareness about the increasing number of Covid cases in India and urged members to take necessary precautions. Additionally, members of SGSS made a vote appeal for The Poet Idol finalist Neelam Gurung from Sikkim.

The second phase of the program was held at the Rangpo Tourism Office, where members of SGSS felicitated Miss Neelam Gurung, who had arrived from Nepal. She received best wishes for the final round of The Poet Idol competition.

Krishna Chettri, President of SGSS, said, “We are honoured to celebrate the birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar, the father of the Indian Constitution. His vision for India will always inspire us to strive towards a better future. We also extend our best wishes to Neelam Gurung for The Poet Idol competition.”

The Shantinagar Gaon Sudhar Samiti continues to work towards the betterment of the community and hopes to inspire others to follow in the footsteps of great leaders like BR Ambedkar.

Deputy Director inaugurates Dipudara Primary School's Digi Lab and Children Park

On April 11, 2023, Dipudara Primary School celebrated the official opening of its new Children's Park and Digi Lab, which the 17000 ft Foundation gifted. The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests including Shri Dorjee Sherpa, Deputy Director of the Education Department in Khamdong BAC, Shri JB Chettri, Assistant Director, and Miss Himali Lamichaney, CRC, as well as Mrs Somith Lepcha, Vice President of Khamdong GPU members of the SMC, the school's staff, students, and parents.

Mahesh Dahal, the school's headmaster, gave a warm welcome speech and expressed his gratitude to everyone who attended the event. He especially thanked the 17000 Feet Foundation for its generosity in making the Children's Park and Digi Lab possible.

In his address, the Deputy Director congratulated the school on the new additions and emphasized their positive impact on the school's development. He also assured the school of his support for future improvements.

Happy 17th Birthday to my daughter Sristikaa Pradhan (27.03.23)

 Dear Bebay

Today, on your 17th birthday, I want to reach out to you and send you all the love in my heart. Although we have not seen each other for ages, my love for you has grown stronger with each passing day.

I remember the day you were born as if it were yesterday. The moment I held you in my arms, I knew you were the most precious gift life could give me. Your tiny fingers, toes, little yawns, beautiful smile, and everything about you made me feel so proud and blessed.

Over the years, even though we were apart, I followed your progress with a father's pride. Your academic achievements, simplicity, and kindness towards others filled me with joy and happiness. You are growing up to be a wonderful person, and I am so proud of you.

I wish you all the love and happiness life can bring on this special day. May you find success in all you do and never lose sight of the beautiful person you are. Always remember that I am here for you and that you are forever in my heart.

Happy 17th birthday, my dear. I may not be there to celebrate with you, but know that you are always in my thoughts and that my love for you will never fade.

With all my love, Bua

20th Annual General Meeting of the Sikkim Amateur Boxing Association (SABA) held

On behalf of Singtam Boxing Club, Bhim Maya Darnal, Sabina  Sundas, Sandhya Sapkota, Papu Sharma, Krishna Chettri and Shital Pradhan participated at the 20th Annual General Meeting of the Sikkim Amateur Boxing Association (SABA). The meeting was held at Eco Paradise, Mining, Rangpo. During the meeting, the association shared information about the achievements of Sikkimese boxers at both junior and senior national boxing levels.

It was reported that Sikkimese boxers won a total of 64 medals during the 2022-23 season. The association also honoured and gave out SABA T-shirts to the attendees. The meeting was attended by boxing legends Jas Lal Pradhan and Sandhya Gurung, as well as coaches, guests from different districts, and young aspiring boxers.