Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party takes on Prof. Lama on Sikkim University

Gangtok, July 11: The establishment of Sikkim University in the state is the need for the development of state as a whole and the future generation and the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party welcomes every statement made by
the opposition in a positive way, were the opening words of General Secretary (SDF) Mr. TN Sharma in a conference held here in capital today. Whereas MP Lok Sabha Mr. PD Rai in his address said that the final phase of acquisition of land for SU is in its way which in itself is a major achievement but it does not help the matters when the SU VC visits the site and tries to coerce the public which he did on 30th June 2010 which is not at all the VC’s look out. Adding more Mr. Rai said that all the matters related to SU when made political does not solve the problem what it has become today and Mr. Rai even thanked the political parties and politically motivated outfits who have dropped their hats in the ring too. Stating more Mr. Rai informed that many of the statements of such people are recorded in a few newspapers is malicious and the SDF party condemns them outright.

The opposing people have proved their commitment to an anti-people agenda, their statement are proof enough of the fact that they have no love for the younger generation and will go to any length to oppose the pro people stance of SDF party added Mr. Rai. Informing more Mr. Rai added that SDF party and its government never wanted to make SU land acquisition an issue but when the VC made the quasi political moves then it became mandatory for us to bring the issues on the ground to the people as after being forced numerous times by the VC act the party had to stand. Mr. Rai further placed queries like what kind of actions have been taken by the university to upgrade the facilities as well as the teaching capability of the colleges, professors and subject content enhancements. Furthermore Mr. Rai said that all this queries are important indicators of the commitments made by the university to provide solid support to the colleges operating in state to enable the children with better quality education and skill sets.SDF Spokesperson Mr. Bhim Dahal in his address said that SDF party and its led government want the construction of SU be completed soon but requests for change in Prof. Lamas behavior towards the Sikkimese people and the state along with a suggestion that he should not address the media often and not to oppose the state governments initiative.

Furthermore Mr. Dahal added that Sikkim state has the potential to become a educational hub and every efforts from the government is made to achieve the same too. The disconnection of Prof. Lama from the people of Sikkim or the government has made the acquisition of land along with the whole process of setting up of the university a tough job but if connected every thing will be easier and smooth added Mr. Dahal.

Adding more Mr. Sharma stated that the allocation of land to SU and the resettlement of the donor’s are being carried out by the State Government but the acquisition of land, allocation has become a major
issue today. SU is established for the people of Sikkim and the generation next but the way SU is operating or functioning under Vice Chancellor (VC) Professor Mahindra P Lama is not at all favoring, benefitting the larger interest of the Sikkimese people in state in context to employment opportunity or academically. Since the inception of SDF party and its government that is since 1994 the establishment of SU was given the highest priority by the visionary Chief Minister also the president of SDF party, Dr Pawan Chamling and due to his determination and approach to the central government SU was granted added Mr. Sharma. Furthermore Mr. Sharma informed that during that time only 50% of the states across the nation had university and upon that if we look as per the population the establishment of SU was never possible, the CM’s plea for establishing SU after holing numerous meet came into existence. Where as the SU, VC Prof. Lama today is unable to meet up to the hopes and aspiration of the Sikkimese people at all informed Mr. Sharma. Mr. Sharma stating more said that acquisition of land is a sensitive issue across the nation today and in Sikkim a major one due to the existence of old laws but the instance of Prof. Lama that was initiated on 30th June 2010 when he along with his group visited the site and threatened the inhabitants the acquisition process was hampered totally. Reacting to the behaviour the local inhabitants of the land acquired site at Yangyang even conducted a press meet and opposed Dr. Lama’s act.Addressing upon the employment opportunity provided to locals Mr. Sharma said that there are 92 professors currently educating the students in SU but of that only one is local whereas in regards to students admitted stated that there are a total of 225 students availing their Post Graduation course from SU where only 21 students are locals. The SU is started to facilitated the children’s of state with best of education along with quality but the process catered in the university for local students to avail admission is tough and due to which the students are moving out to other states for studies which is totally against the concept the SDF party or the Government had dreamed off.Adding more Mr. Sharma stated that the state government started a college at West Sikkim which was not availed with affiliation from SU which the SDF led government opposes and in context to admission the entrance test for the candidates of Sikkim are set where as 5%
reservation is met for other state candidates which is totally injustice and the people of Sikkim along with the government criticizes. All such policies, criteria adopted by the VC, SU along with the support of the opposition to the VC is not acceptable to the SDF party and the government.The conference was also attended by SDF Publicity Secretary Mr. Amber Rai.

(SikkimMail)

Sikkim Democratic Front ’s education barb at VC Prof. Lama

 VC Mahendra P. Lama

GANGTOK: The ruling Sikkim Democratic Front today accused the Sikkim University vice-chancellor of being insensitive to the development of education in the state.

SDF spokespersons P.D. Rai and Bhim Dahal told reporters that VC Mahendra P. Lama was more interested in his “political agenda” and “global tours” than spending quality time with the university.

The SDF salvo comes after Lama’s repeated statements on the delay in handing over 250 acres of land at Yangyang in South Sikkim to the SU to develop its campus.

“The university was established through the tireless efforts of our government which also made strong recommendations to get Lama as its first VC. However, his statements on the Yangyang land and his refusal to grant affiliation to the Geyzing degree college in the West district are unacceptable,” said Rai.

After failing to get the approval from the SU, the government got the college affiliated to the private Vinayaka Mission’s Sikkim University. The degree college was inaugurated by chief minister Pawan Chamling on June 28.

Rai said the SU had denied affiliation to the college when 1,300 students passed the Class XII board exams in West Sikkim.

“Where should we then take our students? We appealed for affiliation from the Vinayaka Mission’s Sikkim University. This year, 225 students were admitted to the university and only 21 of them are from Sikkim. It is clear that the VC is against the state’s interests.”

Touching upon delay in the land transfer, Dahal said: “The families that have to vacate the land proposed for the campus are demanding rehabilitation and will not move till then. We are not stalling the transfer, but we have to rehabilitate the evictees first.”

Lama said the SU had only stated facts concerning the delay in land transfer and the affiliation issues.

“We had received four letters from the government, asking us to take possession of the land. Each time we found that the land had not been vacated. We have paid the state government Rs 15 crore. The delay in setting up the campus will result in the non-utilisation of UGC funds. We denied affiliation to the Geyzing college as it did not follow the norms laid out by the UGC. We had informed the government about this,” Lama said.

Asked about his “foreign trips”, the VC said: “Whenever I travel to Delhi or abroad, I promote the university and the state free of cost. These questions are out of the purview of those asking them.”

(thetelegraph)

Sikkim MP PD Rai Questions Sikkim University's VC Prof. Lama’s role in Sikkim’s educational development

Gangtok July 7 : Sikkim's Lok Sabha MP Mr PD Rai strongly condemned the statements coming from the Sikkim University Vice Chancellor Prof. Mahendra P Lama regarding the land acquisition for the establishment of Sikkim University by the State Government. He stated that the process of land acquisition has already started and Prof Lama should understand the gravity of the situation. Land is a sensitive issue and people who have given their land for the University has to be rehabilitated first, before the same is handed over to the University. He further added that the process of rehabilitation has already started and the Government is leaving no stones unturned from its side to complete the project soon. He also added that being the Vice Chancellor he has not come for any discussion or deliberation on the issue with the State Government on the issue for its settlement. It was also informed that the University has not submitted the plan and programme about the design and lay out of the upcoming University to the State Government. Further the MP very strongly voiced that from the manner of his working it is clear that Pro Lama is not working in the true earnest for the students of Sikkim and the development of their future. “We feel let down in many ways” added a peeved MP.

Likewise SDF Spokesperson Mr Bhim Dahal informed that on 30th June 2010 the VC himself went and met with the land donors and told them to vacate the land immediately. This was not taken lightly by the people who on 6th July 2010 came and submitted to the Government that the land will not be handed over until they are rehabilitated suitably. Mr Dahal called such act coming from the VC as against the policy of the State Government and questioned his intentions. He also stated that in 365 days of a year the VC is present in the University only for 90 days, amongst the 225 students of the Sikkim University only 21 are from Sikkim and he has engaged 42 teachers for these 225 students. He also added that the State Government is closely monitoring the activities of the University as well as the VC as it concerns the future of the students of the State and neither the Leader nor the Party will let anything spoil it. Mr Dahal also stated VC had created many obstacles on the process of the affiliation of the Soreng B.Ed college earlier.

He further added that in Geyzing there is an immediate need for a college as there are more than 1300 students from around West Sikkim, however when the Government wrote to SU for affiliation for the Geyzing College VC turned down the proposal. Mr Dahal said that the VC is doing nothing but creating obstacles for the State Government in providing quality education for the people of Sikkim. The State Government had processed for affiliation through the Vinayaka Missions University for Geyzing College and the VC again gave strong remarks in the press against it. This in the words of Mr Dahal is highly uncalled for coming from the Vice Chancellor of Sikkim University that was established for the benefit of the students from Sikkim.
(SikkimMail)

Sikkim Central University announces the under-graduate exam results

Gangtok, June 30: A total of 890 students became the first batch of graduates from Sikkim Central University today.

Sources said 906 students had appeared for the sixth and final semester exams, which were completed on June 10. The results were announced by the vice-chancellor Mahendra P. Lama today.

The university was established by an Act of Parliament in 2007 and under-graduate courses were introduced in nine colleges under it the next year. The colleges in Sikkim had been under North Bengal University till 2008.

“The pass percentage of the first batch stood at 98.34 per cent. We could declare the results within 20 days of completing the exams. The university has been publishing results within three weeks of completing the exams of each semester,” said a university official.

Binita Rai is among the 890 students who became the first graduates from the Sikkim university.

“The semester system is wonderful and made us confident. We had to write exams every six months, submit our fieldwork presentation and go to classes regularly because of compulsory attendance of 75 per cent. There were mid-semester tests also.

The semester system ensured that we studied the whole year compared to other university students, most of whom, usually study only when their annual exams are near,” said Binita, an arts graduate.

Another student said there was also an incentive of five per cent marks for 100 per cent attendance.

“This incentive motivated us to attend classes regularly. We got opportunities not only to learn the history of our region but also other fields. There was a scope for personality development also as we get opportunities to meet and listen to distinguished national and international scholars who are invited by the university,” he said.

The Sikkim university has introduced health insurance for students doing under-graduate and post-graduate courses on its campus.

“Ours is the first university in the country to insure the students against diseases. It is a pilot project and if successful, will be introduced in all colleges affiliated to the university,” said VC Lama.

The insurance certificates will be presented to the students in a month. There are 118 students with the university at present and the number is likely to double when the admission process is over this year.

“The university has tied up with a national insurance company to cover each student under a Rs 1 lakh policy for one year. The students have to pay Rs 300 each as health fee at the time of admission and the university will chip in with Rs 1,000 to pay the premium of Rs. 1300.

(TheTelegraph)

Sikkim University represented in China Forum of Global Studies at Shanghai University

GANGTOK, 21 June:The 2011 meeting was hosted by Shanghai University on June 17-18. It followed the "China Forum on Global Studies" which was held at the same venue on June 16-17.
The Sikkim University is in the steering committee of 2011 consortium which seeks to facilitate collaboration in teaching, research and student and faculty exchange. SU was represented at the meet by its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mahendra P Lama.

The Global Studies Consortium meet decided to strengthen the exchange of students on various global studies programmes both on a credit transfer and dual degree basis. Arizona and Pennsylvania University offered this on an immediate basis while Sikkim University and the University in Denmark will take time to undertake such ventures, the release informs.
While University of California along with Sophia University of Japan took the responsibility of looking into the curricula, Moscow University will produce the ‘Encyclopedia of Global Studies’ and Royal Management Institute of Technology, Melbourne, will host the next Global Studies Consortium meeting in 2013, the release informs.

The Consortium meeting was preceded by two days of discussions on “Emerging Societies and Global Reordering” organized by China Forum of Global Studies at Shanghai University, China.
Prof Lama presented a paper on “New Regionalism and Economic Integration in South Asia: Repositioning China and India” which, the release states, inspired a good degree of discussion. The VC also informed the meet of how the School of Global Studies at SU was a first of its kind in India.

This Consortium has representations from the universities in Asia, Europe, Pacific region, Africa and the USA.

Sikkim University’s founding VC Mahendra P. Lama on South Asia panel

Gangtok, April 23: The central government has nominated Sikkim University’s founding vice-chancellor Mahendra P. Lama and the additional secretary of the ministry of external affairs, Asoke Kumar Mukherji, as its representatives in the newly created South Asia Forum, a Sikkim University release has said.

Eight South Asian countries had agreed to form the forum during the 2010 Thimpu Saarc Summit for generation of debate, discussion and the exchange of ideas on South Asia and its future development.

The release said the forum would be modelled on existing initiatives of a similar nature such as the Boao Forum for Asia in China, the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and the Asia Pacific Roundtable in Australia

Sikkim Manipal University celebrates Independence Day

GANGTOK, Aug 17: The Sikkim Manipal University celebrated the 63rd Independence Day.
The National flag was hoisted by Prof. (Dr) R N Salhan, Dean SMIMS, followed by parade by Home guards & Security guards.
The programme began with a speech by the Dean, SMIMS who emphasized on the contributions made by the Indian leaders & freedom fighters in their struggle in the national movement. The Dean also highlighted the etiquette of being a good student and the importance of all categories of job levels.
The staffs & children of SMU family actively participated in the various cultural programme and patriotic songs.
The SMU family including Prof.(Dr) R N Salhan Dean- SMIMS, Prof(Dr) Sanjiba Dutta-DMS, CRH, Prof (Dr) Suvamoy Chakraborty- DMS, CRH & Prof (Dr) Sudip Dutta- DMS with the coordination of Mr. Rajen Gurung- contractor, Patient Canteen, CRH, joined together to distribute fruits and sweets to all the patients of Central Referral Hospital on the occasion

Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, Father of Green Revolution in Gangtok,Sikkim

Food shortage due to climate change foreseen by expert

Gangtok,August14: The days in near future will be very challenging as there would be shortage of food in the world due to climate change, Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, Father of Green Revolution in India and Chancellor of Sikkim University, said in the second foundation day programme of Sikkim University at Chinatan Bhavan on Friday.
Prof. Swaminathan was the chief speaker of a seminar on “Preparing for Climate Change”. He further said risk rise rapidly with rise in temperature. “Just rise in 2 degree Celsius temperature means 4 million people will have to face water shortage,” he said.
Regarding the effect of higher temperature on crops, he said rice and wheat yields are gradually decreasing. In context of India, he said 25 per cent of the country’s population lives near coastal areas and they make their livelihood from the sea and sea water. But with the rise of temperature, the water level of sea would lessen and this cause danger to their livelihood, he said.
As to how to cope with the climate change, he advised promotion of under utilized crops like millets, jawar and many other crops which can easily grow in low rainfall and higher temperature.
The Chancellor expressed hope that Sikkim University would be epicenter of learning for the world and innovate new ideas for the country as well as the world.
State Health Minister Mr. D.N.Thakarpa, who was chief guest of the programme said, “Sikkim University would produce such students who would apply their minds and think of noble ideas. He announced four new departments of the University - Department of Physical Science, Psychology, Integrated B.Sc and M.Sc in horticulture and floriculture and LL.B and LL.M. First Annual Report (2007-2008) of the University was also released by him. “Prosperity of the state lies in quality education”, the Minister said.
Prof. Mahendra P. Lama, Vice Chancellor of the University said, “We are now strengthening the foundation of the University and the initial hurdles have been overcome”. He said with the help of 150 faculty members of different renowned Universities the syllabus of Sikkim University was prepared. The University “is committed to maintain professionalism and accordingly professionally talented faculties are to be recruited”, he added.

2 Books of Sikkim Governor released in Gangtok

Gangtok,August15 : I am feeling proud like a grandfather whose grandchildren have spent two healthy years. Sikkim University is a two year old healthy child and, as I know, this child smiles, rejoices and crawls and finally walks, said Governor Mr. Balmiki Prasad Singh addressing a select gather at Chintan Bhawan on August 14.
His two books, namely, “India’s Culture: the State, the arts and beyond”, and “Bahudha and the post – 9/11 world” were launched on the day. I am grateful to Sikkim University and am really happy that it is doing its role, the Governor said.
Mr. Singh was chief guest and Mr. D. N. Thakarpa, was guest of honor on the occasion. Professor M.S. Swaminathan, Chancellor of Sikkim University, released Governor’s books and Professor Lama gave introduction of the books. Distinguished personalities including Prof. Urvashi Butalia, writer, feminist and historian and Prof. Ralph Buultjens, of New York University, highly spoke of the books. Ministers, Chairpersons, Heads of Departments, Principals of different colleges, lecturers and students were present on the occasion.
All the scholars and guests present were felicitated by Sikkim University Chancellor Prof. Swaminathan and V.C. Prof. Lama presented University logo to the guests.

Sikkim University seminar on ‘Higher Education

Sikkim University 2nd Foundation Day celebrations continues
GANGTOK, August 10: Vice Chancellor Sikkim University Prof Mahendra P Lama today said that the time had come to discuss the emerging policies on higher education in India.
Addressing a seminar on ‘Higher Education: The way forward’ being organised here on the sidelines of the varsity’s second foundation day, Prof Lama said new higher education policies are being floated and would soon be implemented, for which they would include all critical views, proactive suggestions and contributions in the finalization and implementation of these new policies.
He said that Sikkim University is the first to discuss three important reports in an organised manner viz. National Knowledge Commission “Report to the Nation 2006-2009” – led by Sam Pitroda, Report of the Committee to advise on renovation and Rejuvenation of higher Education”, led by Prof Yashpal and the “Concept note on innovation Universities aiming at World Class Standards” circulated by the MHRD, GOI.
“All three reports have made far reaching recommendations. At times very hard hitting to some of the existing institutions,” the VC said adding “the Govt of India is also planning to initiate 14 Innovative Universities aimed at world class standards in the XI plan period. All these will be on top of the existing 400 plus universities.”
In his welcome speech, Prof Lama also envisaged of making the university a world-class institute.
Talking on the need to capitalise human resources in the State, he said courses on indigenous history, mountain studies, sustainable development, designing, border studies, military sciences, global studies, global warming, disaster management, water, energy and natural resources, culture and ethnicity, music besides the generic courses like economics, biology will be floated in Sikkim University.
The Vice Chancellor said that several innovative courses have been introduced, for instance BSc-MSc integrated course on Floriculture and Horticulture Management for which Curriculum designing was done by the senior officials from the Indian Council of Agriculture Research, Agricultural colleges and Universities, Indian Institute of Management and various Floriculture Horticulture research institutes. “We even invited entrepreneur farmers from Kalimpong and Sikkim to participate in the same. It is an end to end programme aimed at producing a farmer to technocrat and a manager and a marketing professional and an entrepreneur and conservation expert,” he said.
Prof Lama added that out of 130 million children in the age of 18 to 24 years, only 11 million are going to the schools or colleges. Stating that there are 460 Universities and 20,000 colleges including 300 professional colleges, SU Vice Chancellor said there is still a need of 1500 more universities till 2015.
The inaugural session was attended by the State HRDD Minster NK Pradhan as the chief guest along with Sikkim MP, Lok Sabha PD Rai, Vice Chancellor and Sikkim Manipal University Dr Surjit Singh Pabla.
Eminent scholars and academicians from the best universities of India, lecturers, professors and the students from the various colleges of Sikkim also participated in the seminar.
Delivering the keynote address, VC, SMU said the process of revamping our education system is on since the last two years. “With over 20, 000 sub-standard colleges across the country, there is naturally sub standard education,’ Dr. Pabla said adding “there are 3000 professional colleges and out of 460 universities, only 10 are of world standard. We still require 1500 universities by 2015”.
He further stressed on the challenges of quality education including the need of attitude change, autonomy of universities, regulatory mechanisms, quality of teachers, development of infrastructure, uniform curriculum, mobility of students, entry of foreign universities, evaluation system and role of private participants among others.
In his address, the Lok Sabha MP informed that the Parliament had recently passed the Right to Education Bill regarding free and compulsory education for the children aged between 6-14years and that it was a harbinger of good news for the massive educational transformation in India. He said that the onus lies on the State Government to ensure free and compulsory education. “This has been long overdue. Education allows for social mobility,” he said.
Resenting on the fact that the education system of Sikkim was never questioned and discussed, Mr Rai applauded the effort of Sikkim University in bringing a paradigm shift in this regard. “Sikkim University should now play an important role in catalysing mountain studies as part of their curriculum in order to cater to the needs of the people of the region,” he added.
He further said that Sikkim University has to focus on mountain paradigm and that more research and thought is needed in this direction.
HRDD minister on his part reminded that the State Government is determined as well as keen to make Sikkim an education hub. “Quality education is aspired in the State and for this quality education is needed. We have also started the process of capacity building amongst the teachers,” the minister said.
Later a discussion was held on the implications of National Knowledge Commission and Yashpal Committee Report on the NE region.

Darjeeling Must look beyond tea - Economists

Mahendra P Lama, vice-chancellor, Sikkim University addresses the seminar in Darjeeling on Friday.

Darjeeling, Aug. 7: The Darjeeling economy’s dependence on tea has been questioned by an expert who feels that it is time for the people to move beyond traditional sources of income for the sustainable development of the hills.

The comment by Jeta Sankrityan, an economist who is currently attached to North Bengal University, has kicked off a debate in the hills where tea gardens are hampering the expansion of towns.
“For long, the Darjeeling hills have been dependent on tea and tourism. Earlier, it was timber. Are we prisoners of these economies?” asked Sankrityan.

Sankrityan was speaking at a seminar titled Sustainable Development, Resource Endowment and Governance; Mountain Economy in Perspective, organised jointly by Salesian College, Sonada, and Darjeeling Landenla Road Prerna, an NGO.
Hemmed in by tea gardens, the two urban centres in the hills — Darjeeling and Kurseong — are finding it difficult to expand through satellite townships and improve infrastructure.

In the past, Bengal chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee had proposed the setting up of a satellite township for Darjeeling. The district administration largely found the proposal unfeasible when it was hard put to find even parking place.
Sankrityan did not directly say tea gardens should be uprooted but left the audience to ponder if a substantial part of tea industry’s profit is “being retained in the hills”.

“Switzerland is thriving solely on tourism and because of its location, also on winter sports. It is time to integrate local economy with the global market,” he added.

Referring to a District Gazetteer, published in 1940, Sankrityan said the British had made an effort to create a local economy, despite the tea industry flourishing. “A Swiss diary was set up in Kalimpong. Dr Graham’s Homes, also in Kalimpong, focused on farming, while efforts were on to set up a potato seed farm in Rangbull. Efforts were made to take vegetables to Calcutta also,” he said.

Mahendra P. Lama, vice-chancellor, Sikkim University, too, spoke on similar lines. “The Eastern Himalayas is declared as one of the 25 bio-diversity hotspots in the world,” he said and stressed the need to bring traditional knowledge to an institutionalised forum.
Highlighting the potential of hydro-electricity to generate money, Lama, said: “During 2007-08, Bhutan earned $203 million from Chukha (336mw), Kurichu (60mw) and Tala (1,020mw) hydro power projects. But in the case of Nepal, hardly 1 per cent of its total potential of 8,300mw power has been harnessed.”

Press Club of Sikkim felicitates Prof. Mahendra P. Lama

Gangtok: Dr. Mahendra P. Lama, the newly appointed vice chancellor of Sikkim University was felicitated by Press Club of Sikkim(PCS) on July 27, 2007.Prof. Mahendra P. Lama of the School of International Studies, JNU, at the Centre for South, Central, South East Asian & South West Pacific Studies, has assumed the office of the first Vice Chancellor of Sikkim University w.e.f. the 2nd July, 2007.

While addressing the media person, Dr. Lama expected that this university will be an inclusive university to attain higher studies of excellence in various new faculties, which will cover not only bookish knowledge but of practical knowledge as well. He said that Sikkim must put every effort in education at least for 20 years very seriously so that human development and resource can be increased in order to build a strong society and nation. He also suggested to change the mental attitude of the people and work hard for meeting the cherished goal in life and education is a part and parcel of human being to be developed fully. He disclosed that the appropriate land is being identified to construct the infrastructure of university in 250 acres land required for the purpose and he has assumed with this new assignment with determination and mission in the life. He urged the media persons to come forward and co-operate in this mission.
Shri C.D. Rai, the President, Press Club of Sikkim expressed that he is fortunate enough to witness a mega event in his life because when he was a child there was no school in his village Namchi. Now there are many school and college and university is too being started. Shri Subash Deepak, Advisor and Sr. Journalist highlighted the profile of Dr. Lama and also read out the citation. Dr. Lama was felicitated by offering scarf and citation. Earlier, Shri Bhim Rawat, General Secretary of PCS delivered welcome speech, while Shri Paras Mani Dahal, Treasurer gave vote of thanks. The function was conducted by Shri Bijay Bantawa, Advisor of PCS