Namchi District celebrates 78th Independence Day with patriotic festivities

NAMCHI, (IPR): Namchi District headquarters observed the 78th Independence Day celebration with much patriotic fervor and enthusiasm at Bhaichung Stadium, today.

Bhoj Raj Rai, minister for Urban Development department, graced the occasion as the chief guest. He was accompanied by Ganesh Rai, chairman and councillors of NMC, Anupa Tamling, DC Namchi, Subash Ghimirey ADC Namchi (HQ), Trisang Tamang ADC Namchi, SDMs, HoOs, Army personnel, officials from various line departments, teachers, students and public at large.

The occasion was marked with the hoisting of the tricolour by the chief guest, followed by the recitation of the National Anthem.

Thereafter, ceremonial march past was demonstrated by various contingents of Police, NCC, and schools led by the pipe band of PM Shri Government Girls Senior Secondary School Namchi.

During the occasion, Anupa Tamling, DC Namchi read out the Independence Day message of the Governor of Sikkim, whereas Tirsang Tamang, ADC Namchi conveyed the message of the Chief Minister of Sikkim.

Addressing the gathering, the chief guest extended his warm greeting on the occasion of Independence Day. He recalled the indelible contributions made by the freedom fighters and urged the citizens to cultivate a sense of patriotism for greater achievement of the country.

He further said that the State government is committed to uplift in every aspects of development, and also encouraged that the crucial role of the public in the endeavour.

Addressing key civic issues, the minister also expressed concerns over waste management, sewage management, and monsoon drainage, pointing out that these challenges, if not addressed, could hinder the town's beautification. Therefore, he requested the local community to take collective action to resolve these issues at the earliest.

The chief guest also touched upon the ongoing efforts to widen roads in Namchi, appealing to the public to cooperate with the government. He noted that resistance from some residents has resulted in delaying the progress. Further, he added that the government will fairly provide equal opportunities to everyone for the greater good of Namchi.

As part of the celebration, the DC Namchi also administered the Nasha Mukth Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) pledge, emphasising the commitment to make a drug-free district.

The event also saw facilitation of various dedicated individuals and organisations, as well as the government employees with the District Meritorious Service Award (DMSA).

The employees who were awarded with the DMSA were as follows:

1. Tempa Sherpa, Sub – Inspector, Police Department, Namchi

2. Pawan Kumar Berdewa, Leading Fireman (LFM/HC), Namchi Fire Station 

3. Premkit Lepcha, Senior ANM, Health & Family Welfare department, Namchi District

4. Soloman Rai, Driver, Education department

5. Prakash Thatal (Darjee), Supervisor, BAC Namchi

6. Kamal Prasad Rai, P.A. System Operator, IPR department, Namchi

7. Bir Bahadur Biswakarma, Field Assistant, Agriculture department, Namchi

8. Devicharan Khati, Office Attendant, Tourism department, Namchi

9. Ms. Bharati Rai, Office Attendant, Land Revenue & Disaster Management, Namchi

10. Renuka Chettri, Office Attendant, Food & Civil Supplies department, Namchi

11. Govinda Rai, Office Attendant, Motor Vehicle Division

12. Tula Ram Rai, Safaikarmchari, Sports & Youth Affairs, Indoor Stadium, Namchi

13. Ram Bahadur Rai, Labour, Meanam Wildlife Sanctuary

14. Dawa Tshering Sherpa, Labour, Damthang Biodiversity Park under Environment & Soil Conservation

15. Buddhi Man Rai, Mali, Forest & Environment (Territorial Division) Namchi – Kamdaley Nursery

16. Gaorani Chettri, Farm Labour, Horticulture Farm, Ravangla

During the event, Arun Rai, a resident of Sorok Namchi presented a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 to Sayer Karki, CBSE (AISSCE) topper 2024 from Sadam Sr. Sec. School in the loving memory of his daughter Lt. Simran Rai.

Similarly the individuals and organisations that were felicitated by the chief Guest were as follows.

1. Master Sayer Karki, CBSE (AISSCE) topper 2024 from Sadam Sr. Sec.School under Simran Trust

2. MUTUKS (Men United to undertake kind services under NMBA)

3. Best performing Health & Wellness Centre, Turuk

Throughout the programme, a series of vibrant cultural programmes was coordinated by the Education department, which showcased the talent and diversity of the region.

The Independence Day celebrations also witnessed the Independence Day Football Tournament final between Sinolchu FC and Childhood FC wherein Childhood FC claimed the trophy after winning the penalty shootout with a score of 5-4.

The winning team received a cash prize of Rs. 2.7 lakhs, while the runners-up took home Rs. 2.2 lakhs.

Senchung Bhutia from Sinolchu FC was awarded as Man of the Match.

In the march past competition, Namchi Senior Secondary School (Girls) won the best Marching Contingent where Sr. SP (Namchi) Dr.T N Gyatsho Bhutia personally contributed price amount and a trophy to the winner team in honour of his father Lt. Kalzang Gyatsho, ex- Member of Parliament.