Pratha Festival celebrates inter-generational bonding at Pakyong

<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif"><b>GANGTOK,:</b> The District Administrative Centre (DAC), Pakyong, presented Pratha Celebrating Generations, an Intergenerational Day programme celebrating the old and the new while honouring the bond between the elderly and the youth, under the District-Level Integrated Senior Citizens Welfare Programme of the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">The programme was organised by the Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, Pakyong District, at St. Xavier’s School Ground on Saturday.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">MLA, Gnathang-Machong Constituency and Advisor, Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare department, Pamin Lepcha, graced the event as the chief guest.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">Also present were District Collector, Pakyong, Rohan Agawane; Additional District Collector, Pakyong, Pulkit; SDM (HQ), Thendup Lepcha; Zilla Panchayat and Panchayat members; Heads of Offices from various departments; teachers; students; and senior citizens.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">It was heartening to witness meaningful interactions between the youth and senior citizens through a variety of engaging activities that encouraged participation, empathy, and social responsibility, said the Gnathang-Machong MLA.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">In her press statement, Pamin Lepcha expressed her happiness to see the enthusiasm and vibrant participation of the public. The stalls set up by Self-Help Groups (SHGs), book exhibitions, and recreational games added great value to the event while promoting community engagement and local enterprise, she added.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">“Most importantly, the programme beautifully upheld the dignity, wisdom, and invaluable contributions of our elders. The respect and honour accorded to them serve as a powerful reminder that a society progresses when it cherishes its roots and cares for those who paved the way for future generations.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">“As the MLA of 21-Gnathang Machong constituency, I firmly believe that such initiatives play a crucial role in strengthening social harmony, preserving our cultural ethos, and building a compassionate and inclusive society. I look forward to many more such programmes that bring generations together and reinforce the values that define us as a community,” said Lepcha. She extended her heartfelt congratulations to the organising team for this commendable effort.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">Giving an overview of the festival, the District Collector informed that Pratha Celebrating Generations was conceptualised to celebrate love, bonding, and the continuity of traditions between the elderly and the younger generation. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">He shared that the festival derives its name from the idea that traditions are passed down through generations and emphasised that students form the backbone of the celebration, with participation from across the district.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">During the programme, senior advocate, Sikkim State Legal Services Authority (SLSA), Narendra Rai, delivered an informative session on the legal rights of senior citizens. He elaborated on legal remedies, maintenance tribunals, and provisions available in cases of neglect, discrimination, or denial of proper care.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">The day-long programme comprised a vibrant mix of competitive and non-competitive events. The segments included various student-centred activities, while engagement corners such as painting, manga art, book exhibitions, and interactive games were also present. A free health camp was also organised for participants.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">The event also featured skill-building sessions for students, including personality development and soft skills training led by Aanchal Agawane, along with a session on AI and technology facilitated by Dinesh Dhungel. Likewise, storytelling sessions were led by Nabin Dabari, highlighting oral traditions passed down through generations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">The programme additionally hosted a walkathon for senior citizens and the launch of books, including Merger Memories &amp; Other Stories and Numkum.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p> </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">The day concluded with a prize distribution ceremony honouring winners of various competitive events, informs a press release.</span><o:p></o:p></p>

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