Amitabha School holds charity show to support ‘My Child from Wild’ initiative

GANGTOK, : A short film ‘Opang’ was premiered at Vajra Cinema Hall here on Thursday evening as a charity show to raise funds for State Forest department’s unique conservation initiative ‘My Child From Wild’.

Krishna Rai, the spouse of Chief Minister PS Golay, was the chief guest for the charity show screened by Amitabha School, Gangtok in association with the ‘My Child From Wild’ initiative, Himalayan Zoological Park (HZP). Also in attendance were Shyari MLA-Forest Advisor Tenzing N Lamtha, senior Forest officials, HZP authorities, dignitaries, and students and staff of Amitabha School.

'Opang’ is a short independent film featuring local child RigdzinYugyalSerdup in the lead role. The 25-minute film spreads a message of inspiration and hope among the people during a turbulent period. The film was shot in Gnathang Valley, East Sikkim.

Adding to the evening’s charm wasa special live performance by singing sensationNyizangPalmu, presenting amongst other songs her recent soulful debut single “DemajongGhiPhumo”, an ode to the daughters of Sikkim, which has been well received here.

The charity show and itsnoble aim were warmly appreciated by the gathering.

Speaking with SIKKIM EXPRESS, Amitabha School founder director-principal PemaDolkarThakarpa shared the charity event was organized to inspire the young students and their families for giving back to society. “As a school and educators, we really like to educate our students to give back to society. This is the foundation level for the types of ethics they grow up with… we want to inspire children to give back to the society,” she said.

We wanted to inspire our young children and all families to be a part of the society where you are not just expecting others or the government to do things for you but where you yourself are also giving back to the society, she expressed.

The entire proceeds of the charity event will go to the ‘My Child From Wild’ initiative, said the Amitabha School founder director, adding the initiative aligns with the core educational values of the school.

Under the ‘My Child From Wild’ initiative, one can adopt an animal in the Himalayan Zoological Park, Bulbuley and sponsor the particular animal’s upkeep and care. Several individuals have come forward to adopt the park’s animals.

Amitabha School, in its 10^th year of educational services, is located at Nam Nam side of Gangtok. The school has 300 students and presently up to Class 6.

In his welcome address, Forest PCCF-cum-secretary Dr Pradeep Kumar elaborated on the significance of ‘My Child from the Wild’. He stated that the idea, envisioned by Chief Minister PS Golay, is about creating a culture of shared responsibility. The Himalayan Zoological Park, our roads, and our forests belong to the people - not just to the departments, he said, adding that the adoption programme is a call to adopt, connect and conserve.

Adding a cultural flavour to the programme, students of Amitabha School presented a skit inspired by the theme of the film.