Sikkim CM revisits alma mater on Darjeeling Government College Foundation Day

REZA PRADHAN

DARJEELING,: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay on Wednesday visited his alma mater on the 78th Foundation Day of Darjeeling

Government College, and fondled reminisced his student’s days at the institution.

“After 36 years I got to meet my old friends who I studied with in the same classroom of this college which was very emotional with us feeling happy as well. We were in the Geography department then,” said the Chief Minister while speaking to reporters.

The Sikkim Chief Minister shared that attending the 78th Foundation Day of the college as the chief guest was a very happy experience for him.

“They had invited me as the Sikkim Chief Minister but I feel I am attending this program more as an ex-student of this institution. I remember the time I spent here with my friends,” he said. He fondly remembered food of the college canteen that he ate when he was a student like “alu chop” (potato chop), “anda-bun” (egg-bun) among other things.

When asked about his best memory in the college, he said, “When we were in college, I remember us going to the Shrubbery Park (Nightingale Park) for surveys being in the Geography department which are fond memories for me,” said Golay.

The Sikkim Chief Minister also said that one should never forget the schools and colleges they studied in as it was due to such institutions that they had learnt a lot and was utilizing it in life. He said that he had learnt a lot from his college. He also encouraged current students through his message that they could do a lot in life studying in a government college. He pointed to alumni who became IAS, IPS, and IFS officials along with social workers and leaders.

Later, in his Facebook page, Golay fondly wrote, “Back with old friends, making new memories.”

“One of the most heart-warming moments of the day was reconnecting with my old college friends and creating new memories together. Our conversations, filled with laughter, warmth, and nostalgia, reminded us that although life has taken each of us on different paths, the friendships and bonds forged during our college years remain timeless, enduring, and truly invaluable,” he said in the post.

He added that revisiting the campus brought back a flood of cherished memories of learning, friendships, aspirations, and the formative years that played a significant role in shaping his outlook towards life and public service.

“Walking through the familiar corridors once again was a humbling reminder of where my journey began,” he said.

“Darjeeling Government College is not merely an institution of higher learning; it is a cradle of knowledge, character, and leadership that has nurtured generations of students who have gone on to serve society in diverse capacities. I remain deeply grateful to my teachers, mentors, and everyone who contributed to my growth during those memorable years,” said Golay in his post.

Situated at Lebong Cart Road, Darjeeling Government College started its journey on 5th August, 1948.  The college is a full-fledged government college and is under the administrative control of the Higher Education Department.

The 78th Foundation Day celebration of Government College, Darjeeling was organised jointly by the college family and the Alumni Association.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Shankar Ghosh, Minister-in-Charge of Tourism and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of West Bengal, Bishal Lama, Minister of State for Home and Hill Affairs, Noman Rai, MLA, Darjeeling, along with other distinguished dignitaries and guests.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister fondly recalled his student days at the institution and said that the college had played a defining role in shaping his dreams, values and life's journey. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to his teachers and the institution for laying the foundation of his future and stated that he would always remain indebted to his alma mater.

Encouraging the students, the Chief Minister urged them to pursue knowledge with dedication, learn from their teachers and uphold the values of humility, unity and service. He called upon them to strive for academic excellence while building strong character and taking pride in their culture and heritage.

The Chief Minister also appreciated the efforts of the Alumni Association in strengthening the lifelong bond between the institution and its former students. Calling for collective efforts to uphold the rich legacy of Government College, Darjeeling, he underscored the importance of promoting quality education and contributing towards nation-building.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister extended his heartiest congratulations and best wishes to the Principal, faculty members, staff, students, alumni and the entire Government College, Darjeeling family on the institution's 78th Foundation Day, wishing it continued success and greater achievements in the years to come.