Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang chaired a preparatory meeting for the upcoming Jorethang Maghey Sankranti Mela, 2023 at Jorethang Community Hall, today. Present amongst others were Area MLA Sunita Gajmer, MP Lok Sabha Indra Hang Subba, Minister Transport Department M. N. Sherpa, Chairpersons, Advisors, Secretaries, Officials, and members of the Jorethang Maghe Mela organizing committee.
Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister highlighted about the importance of Jorethang Maghey Sankranti Mela and its historical significance. He underlined that the ethos of Sikkimese tradition and culture should be imbibed, as these kind of melas are a platform wherein the cultural roots can be reflected. He further stated that alongwith the traditional modern, future oriented and forward looking aspects of the culture should also be considered.
The Chief Minister said that locals of the area should be mobilized so that they can gain advantage from the mela through its various avenues. He urged for the mela to be functioned in a collective manner and efforts should be put into Rural Sports. Moreover, Local Entrepreneurs and Self Help Groups particularly that of women should also be spotlighted.
He further informed that the foundation stone for the upcoming cancer hospital in Karfectar near Jorethang will also be laid at the earliest.
Speaking, during the meeting Secretary, Sports Department, Raju Basnet updated that a Sports Festival has been initiated by the department. This festival, he said, will provide opportunities to youth to continue showcasing their talent during the course of the mela. As a part of this festival a Constituency Level football is commencing from today onwards and he remarked that in the coming days marathon, walakathon and other adventure sports will also begin.
Principal Secretary, Rural Development Department, C. S. Rao said that SARAS Mela will be set up at the SNT Premises which will see the presence of stalls from different states in the country. Apart, from the SARAS Mela different Self Help Groups will also be participating during the mela.
DC (Namchi) M. Bharani Kumar briefed that a series of departmental meeting has already been conducted so as to gear up for this Mela. He said that Mobile Village Clinic, Aapada Mitra Stalls and other additional Departmental stalls will also be put up so as to impart necessary information to the general public.
The meeting also saw deliberations between the organizing committe as well as other stakeholders.