Geyzing unit awaits nod to host Sarathi Samman Diwas

GEYZING,: The Geyzing district unit of Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) Chalak Wing is keen to host this year’s Sarathi Samman Diwas in Geyzing and celebrate the annual event on a grand scale.

Sarathi Samman Diwas, an annual calendar event of the SKM Chalak Wing, is observed every year on July 27. Since its inception, the programme has always been held in Gangtok, East Sikkim. Members of the Geyzing district unit informed that a proposal to host this year's event in Geyzing was placed during a preliminary meeting regarding the event held in Gangtok recently. However, the proposal is yet to receive final approval, as the decision is also subject to the approval of the Chief Minister's Office. If approved, Geyzing will host the event for the first time.

Speaking to media persons on Friday, SKM Chalak Wing State secretary Dichen Bhutia said that the Geyzing district unit is enthusiastic to host this year's Sarathi Samman Diwas in the district and that the proposal has already been submitted to the central executive committee of the organization.

He, however, clarified that no final decision has been taken yet. According to Bhutia, the proposal is currently under discussion among the executive committee and members of the Chalak Wing, while the final approval will rest with the executive committee and the Chief Minister's Office.

"We are hopeful that Geyzing district will be selected to host this year's Sarathi Samman Diwas, but nothing has been finalized yet. The Geyzing district unit of the SKM Chalak Wing is eager to host this much-awaited event, and we hope our proposal receives the necessary approval," Bhutia said.

Tenzing Norbu Bhutia, vice convenor of the Geyzing district unit of the SKM Chalak Wing, said it would be a great privilege for the district unit and the taxi drivers of Geyzing if they are given the opportunity to host this year's Sarathi Samman Diwas in the district.

He said the members of the district unit are highly enthusiastic and fully prepared to handle all aspects of organizing the event. "If given the opportunity, we will leave no stone unturned to make the event a grand success," Bhutia said.

Meanwhile, the chairperson of All Sikkim Chalak Welfare Board (ASCWB) Sonam Ongdup Bhutia inspected the road connecting Pelling with the popular tourist spot Skywalk and Chenrezig statue premises of Sangachoeling ward under Yangthang constituency. He was accompanied by SKM's Chalak wing's State level president Kamal Tamang, secretary Dichen Bhutia and others the organization.

It may be mentioned that the road leading to the Skywalk and Chenrezig Statue premises had deteriorated at several stretches due to erosion caused by natural forces, drawing criticism from the public, opposition parties, and taxi drivers.

The poor condition of the road connecting the popular tourist attractions, particularly during the peak tourist season, had become a major concern, with taxi drivers repeatedly highlighting the issue and demanding immediate repairs.

Following repeated appeals and public demand, the State Government initiated restoration work on the Pelling–Skywalk route. The carpeting work has been completed recently, significantly improving road connectivity to the most visited tourist destination.

ASCWB chairperson Sonam Ongdup Bhutia expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and the Government of Sikkim for the restoration of the road work on above mentioned route and claimed that initiative from the state government was prompt and constructive. He stated that the SKM government has consistently prioritised the improvement of road infrastructure across the state, and that the swift restoration of the Pelling-Skywalk route reflected the commitment of the state government under the leadership of the Chief Minister.

Bhutia further stressed that quality road infrastructure plays a vital role in the growth of the tourism sector. He said the government has ensured improved connectivity to key tourist destinations in Sikkim, adding that better roads facilitate a smoother flow of tourists, which in turn contributes to the growth of the tourism industry and benefits taxi drivers across the state.

"I, along with our driver brethren, am thankful to Chief Minister P.S. Golay and the Government of Sikkim for initiating the immediate restoration of the Pelling-Skywalk Road," he said.

A felicitation programme for members of recently appointed new executive committee of Geyzing district unit of SKM's Chalak wing was also held later at Pelling.