Gangtok, 10 June (IPR): Sikkim Government College which has been rechristened as Nar Bahadur Bhandari Government Degree College celebrated the grand finale of Bliss 2018 at its college campus. The 15-daylong event which had started on 25 May had its finale today. The event of the day was graced by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Pawan Kumar Chamling as chief guest, Ministers, HoDs and other dignitaries.
The CM said that re-naming the Government Degree College, Tadong as NB Bhandari Degree College was a tribute to the former Chief Minister and in recognition of his contributions to the State. He said that the Late Shri Bhandari has left indelible marks in the history of the State and we should not forget his contributions to the State.
He said that the State Government has always put education as the number one priority and this can be seen in the State Government’s decision in allocating 20% of the annual budget to this sector. He told the students present that the state government would leave no stone unturned in providing all the facilities for their bright future and it was upto them to utilize it earnestly.
The CM reiterated that education should be life orientated rather than just degrees as the present system is making the youth carry burden of degrees rather than making them self reliant. The students and staff were assured that the demands placed would be fulfilled in all earnestness. He also urged the audience of having classless educational institution and advised the students to move out from a fixed mindset and develop a growth mindset. Stressing on the fact that 21st century would be an innovation driven world and organic driven world, he encouraged them to work hard and be self sufficient
The CM talked about the many schemes which has been implemented in the state in the education sector and said that the government has gone a step further by deciding to grant free education in Pharmacy College, the Polytechnic Institutes- CCCT and ATTC as also free MBBS course in the upcoming State Medical College. These welfare schemes for our students have been implemented for the benefit of students belonging to the rural areas and middle class families, he said.
He also informed them about the recently passed Bill in the State Assembly for the creation of National Law University in the State, stating that these developments have been decided keeping in mind the future of the upcoming younger generations.
Focusing his address towards the students and youth, he urged them to use their sense of discrimination to decide what is right and wrong and not be swayed by negative opinion makers. He added that the Government has laid highest priority to education and an environment has been created where the poorest of the poor get access to quality educated. He reiterated that Sikkim is steadily moving towards being a 100% literate state and he called upon them to work towards making our society knowledge-based and not caste-based.
Additional Chief Secretary, HRDD, Shri G.P. Upadhaya, congratulated the college for its achievements and gave full assurance that HRDD would take every responsible step to help the students.
During the function, the CM was also felicitated for being the longest serving Chief Minister.
The welcome speech earlier was presented by the college Representative Council president, Shri Nishant Chettri, who thanked the CM for providing free education and presented the list of demands by the students. This was followed by a speech by the Principal of the college, Dr Bina Pradhan, who gave her presentation on the achievements of the college.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr Gita Niroula, HoD of Nepali Department.