After 5 years, Mangan celebrates Independence Day on a grand scale

MANGAN, (IPR): The 78th Independence Day was celebrated with grandeur at the Mangan Public Ground, Pentok today. The public ground had been under renovation for the last five years and Independence Day had been a short and formal affair for the district all these years. However, this year, with the work completed, the occasion drew large crowds from all over the district, with approximately 5000 people in attendance.

The event commenced with the arrival of chief guest Pintso Namgyal Lepcha, minister for Forest & Environment, Mines & Geology, and Science & Technology. Present at the celebration were DC Mangan, Anant Jain, SP Mangan Sonam Detchu Bhutia, former chairman- Social Welfare Nim Tshering Lepcha, former APS Tshering Wangyal Bhutia, HoO of the district, officials and staff of district administration, Mangan Nagar Panchayat, MDZP, police, ward panchayat members, teachers and students from various schools and the public.

The celebration began with the hoisting of the tricolour by the minister, after which, he received the Guard of Honour, followed by the National Anthem. Various contingents and schools then participated in the parade. Mangan Senior Secondary School- Girls’ Platoon was judged as winners of the match-past.

In his address, the minister highlighted the significance of the occasion, urging every individual to remember the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters who paved the way for India's independence. He expressed his deep gratitude to all those involved in the completion of the Mangan Public Ground's construction, noting that the district was celebrating Independence Day in such a grand manner after a five-year gap.

The minister thanked the event organisers for their efforts, the participants for their enthusiastic performances and the public for coming together to commemorate this historic occasion. He further underscored the developmental progress of the State under the leadership of the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang and affirmed the government's commitment to keep the public’s development and welfare as the top priority.

He emphasised on the need for collaboration and communication between the public and the government to ensure the upliftment of the district, the State and the nation as a whole. He praised the district officials for their efficiency in handling administrative affairs and assured the public to reach out to government offices, encouraging them to benefit from the various schemes designed to bring about development and progress in their lives and community.

Reiterating the principles of democracy, he reminded everyone that the government is "for the people, of the people and by the people" and committed to serving the public's needs.

Minister Pintso also addressed the youth, speaking on the lines of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, urging them to contribute to the nation's development while staying away from substance abuse and focusing on a healthy and rewarding life, as they are the future of the nation.

He concluded his address by reminding the gathering that remarkable initiatives like Mero Rukh Mero Santqti and Mero Bato Mero Bot envisioned by the Chief Minister are mapped out to build a healthier environment and create a bond between an individual and nature, thus urging everyone to sincerely dedicate themselves into creating a greener and cleaner State, together.

Earlier, the DC Mangan delivered the Governor of Sikkim’s Independence Day message, reflecting on the State's progress and the nation’s journey, while ADC Mangan, Pema Wangchen Namkarpa, read out the Chief Minister’s message, inspiring the attendees to work towards the state's continued development.

Thereafter, as part of the celebration, 17 district officials and social workers were honoured for their exceptional dedication and service at the district level. Each awardee was presented with letters of appreciation for their outstanding contributions. The awardees were:

1. Dr Rinzing Dolma Bhutia- District Medical Superintendent

2. Dr Chering Choden Tenzing- MD (Medicine)

3. Anil Kr Darjee- Accountant (Buildings)

4. Hari Maya Chettri- Head Assistant (Land Revenue)

5. Norden Gyatso Tamang- UDC (MNP)

6. Diku Maya Pradhan- ICDS Supervisor (Women & Child)

7. Karma Lepcha- Village Worker (Horticulture)

8. Sagar Lama- Data Entry Operator (F&CS)

9. Palden Lepcha- Driver (ADC, Dev.)

10. Deepak Rai- Field Attendant (AH&VS)

11. Chumit Lepcha- Office Attendant (Social Welfare)

12. Hasta Bir Gajmer - Munshi (PMGSY-RDD)

13. Pem Tshering Lepcha- Marketing Assistant (Agriculture)

14. Bandhu Lachenpa- Social Activist (Lachen Dzumsa)

15. Philden Bhutia- Computer Operator (MDZP)

16. Topden Lepcha- Assistant Director (Education)

17. Sabita Chettri- Technical Assistant (Education)

The celebration also featured cultural and entertainment performances. Students from various schools, namely, Little Flower School Mangan, Mangan Public School, Mangan Girls’ Senior Secondary School, Ringhim Senior Secondary School, St. Joseph’s School and North Sikkim Academy, captivated the audience with a drill display, patriotic songs, cultural dances and band display, showcasing the rich diversity and talent of the region's youth.

It may be mentioned that the welcome address was delivered by ADC (Dev.) KR Limboo while the vote of thanks was proposed by CDPO Mangan Sonam Lhaden Lachungpa. The Master of Ceremony was coordinator (Education) Pramila Deokata. 

Post lunch, the final football matches for men and women took place.

The Independence Day Women’s Football Challenge Cup 2024 featured a total of eight teams competing in the tournament. The final match was played between the Forest team and Mangan Police. Forest emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline. Prekila Tamang and Muskan Subba scored the winning goals for the Forest team, while Karishma Rai netted the only goal for Mangan Police.

The Lachen Mangan MLA Men’s Challenge Cup 2024 saw participation from 26 teams. The final match was played between Explore Dzongu and Northerners. The final score was determined by a penalty shootout, where Explore Dzongu claimed victory, securing the prestigious cup.

The players were awarded certificates and trophies. The runners-up in the women’s category received a sum of Rs. 60,000 while the winners received Rs. 1,00,000. Similarly in the men’s category, the runners-up received Rs. 2,00,000 while the winners were awarded Rs. 3,00,000.