<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">GANGTOK,:</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">
The inaugural Sikkim Van Mahila Samelan, organised by State Forest and
Environment department as part of the Sikkim Paryavaran Parva 2026, was held at
Chintan Bhawan here today, bringing together women from across the State to
celebrate their contributions to forest conservation and environmental
protection. The programme highlighted the pivotal role played by women in
preserving Sikkim’s natural heritage and promoting community-led initiatives. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">The
programme was attended by Deputy Speaker Raj Kumari Thapa as the chief guest.
also present were MLAs Kala Rai and Pamin Lepcha, Gangtok mayor Tshering Palden
Bhutia and deputy mayor Sara Lama, among others.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">Welcoming
the gathering, Forest director Rajni Bhandari highlighted the vital role of
women in society and conservation, noting that educating a woman empowers
entire families and future generations. A documentary presented by the
department showcased the contributions of women in government initiatives,
conservation efforts, wildlife care, veterinary services and frontline forest
duties with rescue operations. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">The
occasion also witnessed the felicitation of women for their outstanding roles
in environmental conservation. Awards were presented by chief guest Rajkumari
Thapa to Dilmaya Rai, Ganga Rai, Phurba Doma, Sarita Subba, Malati Subba and
Ongmu Lepcha in recognition of their dedicated efforts in nurturing nurseries,
protecting plant life and wildlife conservation. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">The
technical session began with a panel discussion featuring the Deputy Speaker,
mountaineer Manita Pradhan, Dr. Yodida Bhutia of Sikkim University and
Conservator of Forests Sonam Choden Bhutia. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">Presenting
on “Women Forest Officers in Conservation Leadership Roles,” additional
director Kusum Gurung highlighted the need for greater representation of women
in leadership roles. She underscored the benefits of inclusive and
participatory leadership, traced the history of women IFS officers in Sikkim
since 1996 and highlighted the contributions of SHGs and gender responsive
institutional reforms. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">In
the second session on “Women and Forests,” Chimi Ongmu Bhutia, founder of
Lagstal Design Studio, spoke on the deep connection between forests, culture,
and identity. Emphasising that the loss of forests also means loss of
traditional knowledge and cultural heritage, she highlighted the role of women
as custodians of medicinal and ecological knowledge. Drawing from her
experience as an entrepreneur, she showcased how the use of natural fibres and
bamboo can promote conservation while demonstrating that modern design can
coexist harmoniously with nature. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">In
the third session on “Women as Catalysts for Policy, Conservation and
Sustainable Development,” mayor Tshering Palden Bhutia highlighted the link
between urban development and environmental conservation. She spoke on
initiatives of the Gangtok Municipal Corporation, including the ‘WAR on Waste’
campaign, plantation drives, the rejuvenation of the Martam landfill site,
Wellness Park, and Governance at Doorstep programmes. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">In
the fourth session, filmmaker Tribeny Rai highlighted the role of storytelling
in fostering environmental stewardship. Referring to figures such as
Sugathakumari, Rachel Carson, Gaura Devi, and Tulasi Gowda, she stressed how
stories can inspire conservation while recalling the environmental values
passed down to her by her grandparents.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">In
the fifth session on “Empowering Green Guardians – Women Forest Frontline
Staff,” Range Officer Lata Dahal highlighted the growing role of women in
forest protection and conservation. She noted that women are active
participants rather than mere spectators, citing their involvement in wildlife
rescue, anti-poaching operations, patrolling, and community outreach. She also
highlighted the increase in women personnel in the department following the
introduction of 33% reservation in 2018 and underscored their role in promoting
livelihoods and fostering harmony within local communities.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">In
the sixth session on “Role of Women Support Staff of the Forest Department in
Conservation,” head forest guard Manita Gajmer highlighted the contribution of
women frontline staff in translating policies into action on the ground.
Describing them as connectors, guardians, and keepers of knowledge, she also
highlighted their involvement in conservation initiatives, including the
Million Oak Trees Mission and nursery activities undertaken across the State.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">During
the interactive panel discussion, mountaineer Manita Pradhan stressed
discipline and responsible behaviour in nature, while Dr. Yodida Bhutia called
for a more gender-neutral approach to environmental discourse and cautioned
against the combined pressures of patriarchy and unchecked capitalism on
nature. Sonam Choden Bhutia reflected on her journey as one of Sikkim's
pioneering women forest officers in a male-dominated field. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">Concluding
the session, chief guest Raj Kumari Thapa urged citizens to take personal
responsibility for conservation through initiatives such as Mero Bato, Mero
Bot, highlighting the vital role women can play in safeguarding the
environment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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