Adventure Camp-cum-Trekking programme for Northeast Youths concludes at Yuksam.

Gyalshing, November 2 (IPR): The adventure camp-cum-trekking programme organised at Yuksam in Gyalshing district by the Sports & Youth Affairs Department, Government of Sikkim, in collaboration with the Mountaineering and Adventure Institute of Sikkim (MAIS), under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, concluded today with a brief valedictory programme held at Yuksam GPK Hall.

Advisor to the State Medicinal Plants Board, Mr NB Limboo, graced the occasion as the chief guest. Director, Sports & Youth Affairs Department, Dr RB Biswakarma, Deputy Director Sports & Youths affairs department, Mr SB Subba, Nodal Officer, Adventure Cell-Sports & Youth Affairs Department Mr Kunzang Gyatso Bhutia, Director, Mountaineering and Adventure Institute of Sikkim, Mr Deepak Chettri and officials, staff and instructors of the Sports & Youths affairs department were present on the occasion.

A total of 176 participants from eight northeastern states, including the host state of Sikkim, took part in the programme. The participants, aged between 15 and 29 years, comprised students and educated youths representing the eight northeastern states.

The programme aimed to promote adventure sports, leadership, physical fitness, discipline and teamwork while fostering national integration, inter-state cooperation and cultural exchange among young people.

As part of the programme, participants undertook a four-day trekking expedition to Dzongri inside Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, providing them with firsthand exposure to trekking and adventure activities amid the park's rich natural and ecological environment.

Escort teachers from Mizoram, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland and other states shared their experiences and expressed gratitude to the Sports & Youth Affairs Department, Government of Sikkim, for organising the programme.

Escort teachers and instructors were also presented with certificates and souvenirs by the department in recognition of their participation and contribution.

Addressing the gathering, the chief guest congratulated the participants for taking part in the cross-cultural and adventure activities. He stated that such national integration programmes would help young people understand India's diverse cultures, geographical variations and the different backgrounds of people across the country. He further observed that adventure camps and trekking activities help build resilience among young people and encourage them to engage in positive and constructive pursuits. The chief guest also commended the Sports and Youth Affairs Department for successfully organising the national-level programme.

At the outset, Welcoming the guests, Nodal officer Adventure cell sports & youths affairs department Mr Kunzang Gyatso Bhutia briefed the gathering on the programme and the various activities undertaken during the camp.

Report from DIO, Gyalshing.