Shital Pradhan

RONGLI, DECEMBER 16: A little over two hour long walk from the nearest motorable road through the forest of singing birds; is a place where Pacha Saraswati Primary School is situated. Without doubt this school in North Regu, Sikkim could be one of the farthest situated government school in East Sikkim. The nearest ration shops of Rongli bazar is more than 3-4 hour down walk for the villagers of this world and a labourer payment for a sack of rice is Rs 400. The Pacha Saraswati Primary School on its 37th year of its establishment celebrated its first ever annual day function with much fanfare and joy on December 14 at its school.

The major highlight of the day long school function was the felicitation of Birtaman Rai, the land donor of the school and Padam Bhadhur Rai, President of the first school committee. The best performer students from Class I to Class V was also presented with certificates and prizes. Cultural program was performed by the young students.

SPARK NGO from Singtam distributed blankets sponsored by Sikkim State Bank Employees Coordination Committee for the 15 earthquake affected families on the occasion.

Chador Bhutia, AD, HRDD, Regu BAC was the Chief Guest on the occasion that included LB Gurung, Panchayat President, KB Gurung, Ex Sr. Accountant PWD, KB Rai, Ex. Chairman PWD, Prakash Poudhyal and Krishna Dawari, CRCs and SSA Staff Regu BAC. The programme was also attended by villagers from the nearby regions in large numbers.

Chador Bhutia, AD, HRDD, Regu BAC visited the school premises that was affected by the recent 18/9 Sikkim Earthquake. Exhibition of arts and crafts made by the students was also exhibited that was well appreciated by everyone.

The program started with the welcome speech of Dinesh Bhattarai, PRT who was also the host of the day. AK Gupta, Headmaster of Pacha Saraswati Primary School presented his annual report of the school. In his speech HM informed the gathered crowd that the school has 37 students with 3 staff. CCE had been implemented from the month of March with satisfactory results found in all the activity works, he told.

Pacha Saraswati PS participated at PYKKA sports, Independence Day at Rongli, celebrated Teachers Day celebration, National Education Day, conducted Educational Tour and different co-curricular activity and social related activities including cleaning of village path and maintenance of alternate bamboo bridge along the steam after the old broken bridge and others explained Gupta.

Proper utilization of SSA fund according to government norms was also explained that included purchasing of timber to make Black Board, Audio-Video TV and Sound System for school cultural programs, reading materials for students for CCE work and others. Purchase for Computer for next session was also informed if proper electrification was made.

Problems faced by the school was also placed before the Assistant Director, HRDD, Regu BAC that included scarcity of water, damage of mid day meal kitchen, fencing of the school compound, request for difficulty allowance, separate toilet for boys and girls, male teachers and female teachers, LPG for mid day meal cooking and repair of school building after 18/9 Sikkim Earthquake.

Best performing students: Anjali Rai (Class I), Harun Gurung (Class II), Santosh Gurung (Class III), Anil Gurung (Class IV) and Saran Gurung (Class V) was given prizes from the hands of distinguished guests present on the occasion.

Chador Bhutia, AD, HRDD, Regu BAC in his speech expressed happiness and appreciated the school for organizing such a wonderful program. He assured the audiences to solve the drinking water problem and separate toilets for boys and girls. Bhutia informed about the HCM Merit Scholarship for Class V topper local students who had been studying in government school of Sikkim from early stage to Class V. He talked about “Right To Education” and requested parents and students to take it positively. Residential Bridge Course for drop out students at Khamdong for the students of East Sikkim was also informed.

LB Gurung, Panchayat President appreciated the school authorities for maintaining good standard and wished them for the future. Gurung informed about the early education in the region and how it has come to today. KB Gurung, former Sr. Accountant PWD too appreciated the work of AK Gupta and his team in making it a model school despite facing several hurdles. Gurung announced Rs 600 per annum scholarship for the best student of Class IV to Class VIII.

Praveen Pradhan, President SPARK NGO from Singtam could not hide his enjoyment to watch a Class II boy playing a Congo instrument at the welcome song presentation. I have no words, all credit to the Headmaster and the school teachers, Pradhan said.

 

Comment