Gangtok, September 15 (IPR):
Chief Minister, Mr Prem Singh Tamang, attended the state-level celebration of National Engineers’ Day 2026 as the chief guest at Manan Kendra, Gangtok, today.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister extended his greetings and felicitations to the engineering fraternity on the occasion and paid tribute to Bharat Ratna Sir M Visvesvaraya, whose birth anniversary is observed as National Engineers’ Day. He highlighted Visvesvaraya’s contributions to Indian engineering and his emphasis on hard work, discipline, creativity and productive use of time.
The Chief Minister appreciated the initiatives undertaken as part of the celebrations, including the inter-departmental futsal tournament and Engineers’ Day Run, stating that such activities promote physical fitness, camaraderie and a healthy work-life balance among engineers.
He also acknowledged the contributions of serving, senior and retired engineers to Sikkim’s infrastructure development, noting their role in the construction and development of roads, bridges, buildings, water supply systems, power infrastructure, communication networks and other public assets.
Highlighting the evolving role of engineers, the Chief Minister said that engineers are increasingly contributing not only in technical fields but also in administration, policy implementation and leadership. He called upon young engineers to learn from the experience of their predecessors, embrace emerging technologies and promote innovation and creativity.
He further emphasised that development must be translated into well-planned, high-quality and sustainable projects that create a positive impact on the lives of the people. He described engineers as important contributors to shaping society and building the foundations of modern civilisation.
The Chief Minister also highlighted various initiatives undertaken by the State Government for the welfare and professional advancement of engineers, including the appointment of engineers to key administrative positions and steps towards regularising young engineers who had been serving on a temporary basis. He also called upon the engineering fraternity to contribute towards the vision of building a “Sunaulo, Samriddha ani Samartha Sikkim.”
Referring to the invaluable experience of retired engineers, he assured that the State Government remains committed to making greater use of their knowledge and guidance for the development of the State. He also urged the present generation to carry forward the legacy of their predecessors and work towards leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
President, Retired Engineers’ Association (Civil), Mr C Zangpo, in his address, highlighted the significance of National Engineers’ Day and the contributions of engineers to society through the development of roads, bridges, buildings, power and water supply systems, digital infrastructure and other essential services.
He urged young engineers to adapt to changing times while maintaining a people-centric approach. He also highlighted the infrastructural development achieved in Sikkim through the collective efforts of engineers and contractors.
Mr Zangpo expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for various initiatives undertaken for engineers, including promotions and the induction of 245 Junior Engineers into the State Junior Engineers cadre.
The programme also featured technical sessions on “Intervention on Treatment of Liquid Waste”, focusing on innovative interventions, presented by PCE-cum-Secretary, Public Health Engineering Department, Mr Shailendra Sharma, and “Treatment Process Flow and Recent Intervention at Sewage Treatment Plant, Adampool”, presented by Assistant Engineer, Public Health Engineering Department, Mr Sunil Lama.
Retired engineers, architects and contractors were felicitated during the programme for their dedicated service and contributions to the development of Sikkim. The awardees were:
1. Mr Govind Prasad Pradhan
2. Mr G D Mimani
3. Mr D B Subba
4. Mr P S Basnet
5. Mr Tej Bahadur Gurung
6. Mr G P Sharma
7. Mr R N Sharma
8. Mr Taga Khampa
9. Mr Binod Kumar Cintury
10. Mr N D Lama
11. Mr Tashi Dawa Bhutia
12. Mr Sonam Dadul Bhutia
13. Mr Radhe Shyam Chandak
14. Mr T R Khanal
15. Mr C K Basnet
The programme also witnessed the distribution of prizes by the Chief Minister to the winners of various activities organised as part of the National Engineers’ Day celebrations by the All Sikkim Diploma Engineers’ Association (ASDEA).
Inter-Departmental Futsal Tournament
- Winner: Rural Development Department, South-West
- Runner-up: Transport Department
- Most Promising Team: Roads and Bridges Department
- Most Disciplined Team: Water Resources Department
- Best Goalkeeper: Mr Ritesh Pradhan, Transport Department
- Man of the Tournament: Mr Jigmee Dorjee Bhutia, Rural Development Department, South-West
Engineers’ Day Run – 5 km Female (Engineers)
- 1st: Ms Ojeshwari Rai – 00:28:40
- 2nd: Ms Prijula Gautam – 00:31:28
- 3rd: Ms Ankita Pradhan – 00:32:06
Engineers’ Day Run – 5 km Male (Engineers)
- 1st: Mr Sahyog Rai – 00:21:23
- 2nd: Mr Rabden Lepcha – 00:22:37
- 3rd: Mr Adino Rai – 00:23:19
Engineers Got Talent – Dance
- 1st: Ms Arjina Mangar
- 2nd: Ms Srijana Adhikari
- 3rd: Ms Shakila Gurung and Ms Sharon Chettri
Engineers Got Talent – Singing
- 1st: Mr Sishil Thatal and Mr Sidharth Lagun
- 2nd: Ms Deepanjali Chettri
- 3rd: Mr Sahyog Rai
Cultural programmes presented by engineers were also held as part of the celebrations.
The welcome address was delivered by PCE-cum-Secretary, Roads and Bridges Department, Mr A B Subba, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Vice President, Retired Engineers’ Association (Civil), Mr S K Chettri.
The programme was attended by Cabinet Ministers, Advisors, Members of Legislative Assembly, former Ministers and MLAs; Zilla Adakshya and Up-Adakshya; Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Gangtok Municipal Corporation and Councillors; Chief Secretary; Director General of Police; Principal Secretaries; Secretaries; Principal Chief Engineers and Heads of Departments of various departments; members of the Retired Engineers’ Organisation; members of the All Sikkim Diploma Engineers’ Association; senior officers, officials and other dignitaries.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK