Governor on a two-day tour of Pakyong District

PAKYONG, (IPR): Governor Om Prakash Mathur today embarked on a two-day tour of the Pakyong district, marking an initiative to explore and engage with the region's cultural, agricultural, and spiritual heritage.

He was accompanied during his visit by Puran Gurung, Minister for the Agriculture and Horticulture departments, along with Bishnu Kumar Khatiwada, Advisor to the Chief Minister, and Prabha Pradhan, Zilla Upadaskhya.

Also present were Jigmee Dorjee Bhutia, Secretary to the Governor, DC Pakyong, ADC Pakyong, ADC (Dev) Pakyong, SDM Rongli along with officials from the districts, panchayats, and public.

This tour represents a concerted effort to better understand and promote the unique aspects of Sikkim's identity while also fostering closer ties with local communities and stakeholders.

The Governor's first destination was the Parwateswar Shivalaya Mandir in Reshi, where he offered prayers for the welfare of Sikkim and its citizens, seeking blessings at the esteemed temple.

Subsequently, he visited the Reshi Checkpost, where he was accorded a guard of honour by the 3rd India Reserve Battalion (IRBN) during his inspection of the border regions separating Sikkim from Bengal.

The tour proceeded with a visit to the Ram Gauri Samgralaya Museum, a private establishment founded by Ganesh Kumar Pradhan. This museum serves as a comprehensive repository, housing a diverse collection of stamps, coins, and artefacts that chronicle the rich historical narrative of Sikkim, as well as pre-colonial India and neighbouring regions, including Nepal and Bhutan.

The Governor commended the Pradhan family's commitment to preserving this repository of knowledge and underscored its unique role in promoting Sikkim's cultural heritage.

During his journey, the Governor also visited Hazarey Farm, an integrated organic farm, followed by attendance at the organic weekly haat at Pradhan Gaon in Aritar.

Engaging in discussions with officials, panchayat members, and the public, he took this opportunity to express deep appreciation for the Hazarey brothers’ dedication to organic farming practices.

In an address to the assembly at Hazarey Farm, the Governor encouraged the local community to actively engage in organic farming, fostering a deeper understanding of the agricultural practices that sustain them. Moreover, he informed attendees of various central government initiatives designed to support farmers in their agricultural endeavours.

Tshering Chopel Bhutia, additional director of the Agriculture department, provided valuable insights into the initiatives available through the Agriculture and Horticulture department under the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) program, thus enriching the dialogue and offering practical information to participants.

The Governor’s tour is set to continue tomorrow with a visit to the Mangkhim via Gumpa Simana, where he will engage with students and faculty at Rhenock Government Senior Secondary School, Kingston Ward, culminating at the Biswa Vinayak Mandir.