GANGTOK: Retired Engineers Association (Civil) in collaboration with Sikkim State Engineering Service (Civil) and All Sikkimese Diploma Engineers Association, organised National Engineers Day 2025 at Manan Bhawan, Gangtok on Monday.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang graced the programme as the Chief Guest.
September 15 has been observed across the country since 1967 as National Engineers Day to mark the birth anniversary of engineer and administrator Mr Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya.
In his keynote address, the Chief Minister stated that this first Engineers’ Day celebration in the state honoured Bharat Ratna awardee M Visvesvaraya. He said the programme recognised the contribution of engineers and motivated the younger generation to continue their role in nation-building.
He highlighted that the engineers play a central role in infrastructural development, which contributes to the progress of the state. He stated that the government’s plans take shape through the work of engineers, who ensure reliable structures for the people.
The Chief Minister took note of the cultural performances organised by engineers and said he welcomed the participation of young engineers. He stated that engineers build roads, buildings, bridges, and other essential structures, and urged young engineers to work with determination so that their efforts are remembered.
He encouraged young engineers to use modern facilities, connectivity, and technology for effective execution of their work.
He stated that opportunities had expanded with the growth of the engineering cadre. He announced that junior engineers who had completed six years of service but had not been inducted into the cadre would be included through a one-time relaxation. He further announced that retired engineers would be engaged by the government to provide inputs for developmental works.
Acknowledging their role in nation-building not only as technocrats, but also at bureaucratic levels, the Chief Minister mentioned the work ethics of former Secretary, Government of Sikkim, Dup Tshering Lepcha, and advised young engineers to follow his example. He concluded by announcing that Engineers’ Day would be observed as a restricted holiday in the state from the coming year to ensure wider participation.
President of Retired Engineers Association (Civil), Chewang Zangpo, in his welcome address, said this year’s celebration was significant as it coincided with the 50th year of Statehood, observed as the Golden Jubilee, along with the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna M Visvesvaraya. He added that the celebration also acknowledged senior engineers, architects, and contractors. He requested the Chief Minister to provide working space for retired engineers to contribute inputs for developmental works and to review the junior engineers’ cadre. The Chief Minister assured support.
Earlier, the event began with a two-minute silence in memory of engineers who had passed away during the past year. This was followed by homage to Bharat Ratna M Visvesvaraya.
The Engineers’ Day song, composed by engineers, was performed. A short documentary film on the state’s infrastructural development was screened.
Secretary, Public Health Engineering Department, Shailendra Sharma, presented on the role of engineers in nation-building, covering the history of engineering, developments in IT, Mechanical Engineering, Telecommunications, and Civil Engineering, and how engineering meets basic needs.
The following engineers and contractors were felicitated:
Electrical Engineer, L P Tewari
Mechanical Engineer, Deo Kumar Gurung
Architect, Jagat Bahadur Subba
Civil Engineer, Dharmo Prakash Deokota
Civil Engineer, Bal Kumar Rasaily
Civil Engineer, Birkha Bahadur Chettri
Civil Engineer, Narendra Kumar Gurung
Civil Engineer, Purna Kumar Pradhan
Contractor, Damber Bahadur Pradhan
Contractor, L N Sarda
Contractor, Daluram Sarda
Contractor, Sonam Topgay
Contractor, Nedup Tshering Lachenpa
Cultural events including Maruni dance, Nepali song performances, and a thematic presentation on the life of an engineer were also held in memory of Late Padma Shri G S Lama (Sanu Lama), Chief Engineer and Nepali writer.
The programme also paid tribute to Late Chief Engineer, Padma Shri G S Lama (Sanu Lama), whose work continues to inspire the youth.
The Chief Minister was felicitated by members of the All Sikkimese Diploma Engineers Association (ASDEA).
The vote of thanks was presented by General Secretary, Retired Engineers Association (Civil), Kewal Sharma.
- IPR Report
