PAKYONG: Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang-Golay attended the State Level Teej Utsav 2024 held at Saramsa Garden, Ranipool, today.
The celebration was also graced by Madam Krishna Rai cum Chief Patron for the State Level Teej Celebration, Speaker Sikkim Legislative Assembly (SLA), Deputy Speaker SLA, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs-cum-Advisors, Zilla Adhakshyas and Upadhakshyas, Head of Departments, along with dignitaries from various line department, members from Nari Shakti and the general public.
Addressing the event, Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang acknowledged the crucial role women play as the backbone of society, embodying strength, resilience, and compassion in every aspect of life. He highlighted that the Teej Utsav brought the community together in a grand celebration, symbolising the unity of the state and the collective identity of its citizens.
The Chief Minister also commended the women for their significant contribution in making the event a grand success. He discussed several government initiatives aimed at the empowerment and support of women, including the Sikkim Aama Sahyog Yojana, Bahini Scheme, Sikkim Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana and Vatsalya Scheme.
He informed that 17 women currently hold prestigious positions as Secretaries in various departments of the Government of Sikkim.
He expressed optimism that more women would be appointed to these roles in the coming year, recognising this as a significant achievement. He highlighted the government’s efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 and the second wave in 2022 and extended his gratitude to the citizens of Sikkim for their unwavering support in overcoming these challenges.
The Chief Minister also called for collective support and contribution towards the initiative of a Sunaulo Ani Samriddha Sikkim and mentioned the upcoming celebration of 50 years of Sikkim’s merger with India in 2025, which will be marked with great grandeur.
Lastly, he also wished all physiotherapists on the occasion of World Physiotherapy Day.
Ms Raj Kumari Thapa, Deputy Speaker SLA and President of the organising committee, highlighted the significance of the Teej festival as a joyous and vibrant celebration that holds profound meaning for women throughout the nation. She emphasised how the festival brings communities together in a riot of colour, music and dance, offering a spirited tribute to the resilience and vitality of women.
Further, she also highlighted various schemes, including the Sikkim Aama Sahyog Yojana, Bahini Scheme, Sikkim Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana and Vatsalya Scheme, initiated by the state government with the aim to uplift and empower women in various areas of life.
Subsequently, Ms Ganga Parsai shared information on Teej Utsav, explaining its significance and rich symbolism. She mentioned that Teej is a celebration of devotion and faith that is connected to the Goddess Parvati and her union with Lord Shiva, which symbolises a happy and lasting marriage.
The key highlight of the day was the finals of the District-Level Dance Competition, with participants competing from all six districts.
The winners of the competition are as follows:
- 1st position, Dzongu Constituency, Mangan District,
- 2nd position, Syari Constituency, Gangtok District,
•3rd pisition, Yangthang Constituency, Geyzing District.
The dance competition was evaluated by celebrity judges Mr Kamal Rai, Ms Nisha Rasaily and Ms Sushma Sunam.
During the programme, felicitations were presented to prominent women figures for their contribution in their respective fields.
- Felicitation to the first woman speaker of Sikkim Legislative Assembly (SLA), Ms Kalawati Subba.
- Felicitation to the National Teacher Awardee 2024, Ms Yankila Lama, Graduate Teacher Arts, Modern Senior Secondary School, Gangtok
Additionally, the day also witnessed the release of the songs “Vai Halcha” and “Kranti Ma Shanti, by Mr Bidur Gautam from Dumi Gaon, Poklok Kamrang and Mr Tshering Tamang from Jorethang, respectively.
The day concluded with ceremonious prize distribution to all participating constituencies and the victorious team.
- IPR Report
