DISTRICT LEVEL CULTURAL FESTIVAL HELD IN NAMCHI
Namchi, November 4 (IPR): The District Level Cultural Festival organised by Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Government of Sikkim, in collaboration with Ministry of Youth Affairs &Sports Government of India and Sikkim Youth Development Board , as part of the National Youth Festival – VBYLD 2027, was held at Namchi Indoor Stadium today.
The festival was organised under the theme “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat” with the objective of encouraging youth participation, promoting cultural heritage and providing a platform for young talents to showcase their creativity and artistic abilities.
The programme was graced by Chairperson State Youth Development Board Mr Basant Yonzonas the Chief Guest who was accompanied Chief Education Officer Mr GP Sharma as the Guest of Honour.
The Additional Director, Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Ms Tshering Ongmu Bhutia, in her address, highlighted the importance of engaging youth in constructive activities, preserving traditional art and culture, and encouraging their active participation in nation-building. She also stressed the need to sensitise young people about the harmful effects of substance abuse and called for collective efforts towards building a drug-free society.
Deputy Director, Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Mr Basant Pradhan, emphasised the significance of youth participation in nation-building and the preservation of traditional art and culture. Referring to the theme “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat”, he urged young people to shun substance abuse, embrace a healthy and responsible lifestyle, and actively contribute towards building a progressive and drug-free society.
Today's festival featured various competitions, including Group Folk Dance, Group Folk Song, Nukkad Natak, Young Artist Painting and Young Writer Contest (Poetry). The events provided an opportunity for young participants to exhibit their artistic skills while promoting traditional folk culture and spreading awareness on the theme of a drug-free society.
A special performance was presented by Mr Krishna Dhungel, PGT, Bermoik Senior Secondary School, an accomplished classical vocalist and musician graded by All India Radio. Proficient in keyboard and melodica, he is also actively involved in student training and cultural coordination, mentoring students for district and state-level cultural competitions. During the programme, he showcased traditional instruments such as the Murchunga and Gogona, highlighting the rich musical heritage of Sikkim and emphasising the importance of preserving its fading traditional art forms.
The winners in the various categories were as follows:
Folk Dance:
• Silli Dance, Namthang GPU
•PM Shri Limboo Senior Secondary School
Folk Song:
•Assangthang Senior Secondary School
•PM Shri Namchi Senior Secondary School
•PM Shri Girls Senior Secondary School
Poetry:
•Ms Roshni Sharma, PM Shri Namchi Senior Secondary School
•Ms Alexia Limboo, PM Shri Namchi Girls Senior Secondary School
Painting:
•Ms Eliel Rai, PM Shri Namchi Girls Senior Secondary School
•Mr Prashant Chettri, Kewzing Senior Secondary School
•Mr Tshering Wangdi Lepcha, Namchi
Nukkad Natak:
1. Melli Gumpa Senior Secondary Schooll.
The programme was attended by teachers and students from various participating schools, esteemed guests and dignitaries, members of the judging panel, and officials and staff of the Sports and Youth Affairs Department.