GYALSHING: The nine-day-long Centenary Celebration of PM SHRI Government Senior Secondary School, Dentam, established in 1925, culminated on Saturday with a grand finale graced by the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), as the Chief Guest. The historic celebration marked 100 glorious years of academic excellence, community service and the institution’s remarkable contribution to the educational landscape of West Sikkim.
The Chief Minister was accorded a warm traditional welcome by the Centenary Celebration Committee, school fraternity, students and members of the public. Following the welcome, he unfurled the Centenary Celebration ceremonial flag, unveiled the Centenary Commemorative Plaque and visited the ongoing science exhibition, where students showcased innovative models and projects reflecting the school’s emphasis on experiential learning and innovation.
Addressing the august gathering, Chief Minister PS Tamang extended heartfelt congratulations to the school fraternity and the people of the Maneybong-Dentam constituency for achieving the remarkable milestone of completing 100 years of academic excellence and dedicated service.
He fondly remembered and paid rich tribute to the founding members of the institution for their visionary contributions in establishing a legacy that has shaped generations of learners. He stated that without seeking any compensation or personal benefits, the founders came forward selflessly for the betterment of society and they are the true architects of a progressive community.
The Chief Minister further announced the names of all founding members, emphasizing that their contributions must be officially recorded to keep their legacy alive and to recognise their invaluable service to education in the State and the Nation. He urged students to draw inspiration from the selfless spirit of the founders, follow in their footsteps and carry forward their noble legacy.
Sharing his personal connection with the education sector, he said, before entering politics, I was a teacher myself, and I closely understand the joys and challenges faced by both teachers and students. He highlighted that since the formation of the present Government, the education sector has remained a top priority, leading to qualitative improvements and significant infrastructural advancements across the State.
He informed that 1,692 teachers whose service had exceeded four years have been regularised, including Assistant Professors. He added that the Government remains committed to providing the best possible facilities to both educators and students, with the vision of transforming Sikkim into an educational hub of the country.
The Chief Minister further announced that in the near future, the post of Departmental Secretary will also be opened for selection from among the teaching cadre and the retirement age of teachers will be extended to 60 years.
Additionally, he informed that ambulances and medical staff have been deployed in all colleges across the State, along with vehicle provisions for Principals of Senior Secondary Schools.
In a major announcement, he stated that each constituency will have its own university, which will be governed by the State Board under strict monitoring, ensuring that no lapses in academic quality or student welfare will be tolerated.
Encouraging teachers, CM announced that National Awardee teachers will be provided with a foreign exposure visit along with their family members, while State Awardee teachers will be offered exposure trips to other states of India.
He further stated that teachers in the State are well trained and competent and that students should be equipped not only with academic knowledge but also with essential life skills from an early stage. He emphasized that government jobs should not be viewed as the only career goal, as there are ample opportunities in other fields which, if properly identified and pursued, can bring greater success, opportunities often utilized by people from outside the State.
The Chief Minister also informed about the “Lakshya Centre of Excellence” programme, which provides free coaching for competitive examinations such as NEET and JEE. Additionally, he announced the introduction of Common Admission Test (CAT) coaching in Sikkim to help students prepare for national-level management entrance exams.
Highlighting developmental works in the constituency, he shared that restoration and beautification of Uttarey Lake are underway and that Singshore Bridge is being developed into a Skywalk attraction with bungee jumping facilities. He also informed that the Dentam–Uttarey road blacktopping work has been sanctioned, and that the proposal for developing the Chewabhanjyang Pass into a multi-corridor route has been resubmitted to the Union Home Minister during his recent visit to Delhi.
Responding to the school’s demands, the Chief Minister assured the construction of a new six-room school building at Dentam Senior Secondary School.
Among the major announcements, he declared the launch of the “Pink City Runner” initiative, wherein drivers, conductors and passengers will all be women, with a 50% fare concession for all female passengers.
In conclusion, he extended warm greetings to everyone on the occasion of Deepawali and announced an additional cash prize of ₹2 lakh each for both the Open Men’s Football Tournament winners and runners-up teams, marking a cheerful end to his address.
During the event, cheques under Chief Minister’s Education Assistance Scheme (CMEAS), Chief Minister’s Discretionary Grants(CMDG), Chief Minister’s Relief Fund(CMRF) and the Mukhyamantri Kaushal Udyami Yojana were distributed to over 100 beneficiaries. Additionally, the Chief Minister interacted with senior citizens present at the occasion. In this connection, PPS to the Chief Minister, Ranjan Rai, briefed the attendees on the various schemes and benefits that can be availed through the Chief Minister’s Office.
In a gesture of gratitude for his consistent support and visionary leadership in advancing the education sector, Dentam Senior Secondary School accorded a felicitation to the Chief Minister.
During the felicitation ceremony, land donors, former teachers, distinguished alumni and benefactors were honoured by the school committee for their invaluable service and dedication to the institution.
Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Area MLA and Chief Patron of the Organising Committee, Sudesh Kumar Subba, who also presented an overview of the constituency’s developmental achievements and progress made to date.
The programme also featured vibrant cultural presentations, a thematic drill, a pipe band display and performances depicting the school’s historical evolution as well as the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The highly anticipated finals of the Open Men’s Football Tournament 2025 were contested between HOPE Dentam and Karmatar Mega Boys. After a goalless full-time match and a tied result in the initial five-penalty shootout, HOPE Dentam emerged victorious in the sudden-death round to be crowned the champions of the tournament.
The grand finale concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing deep gratitude to the Chief Minister, dignitaries, guests and all participants for their presence and support. The event not only celebrated a hundred years of educational excellence but also strengthened the collective commitment to nurturing the next generation of responsible, capable and visionary citizens of Sikkim.
- IPR Report
