PAKYONG,(IPR): Arun Upreti, minister of Cooperation department and Rural
Development department, graced Balidan Diwas 2024, organised by Bharatiya
Gorkha Parisangh, Sikkim branch, at the auditorium hall of Sunrise Academy,
Duga today.
Arun
Upreti, while addressing the gathering, emphasised the profound significance of
Balidan Diwas, a day dedicated to honouring the sacrifices of the Gorkha
community in the struggle for India’s independence. He paid tribute to the
freedom fighters and highlighted the importance of remembering their
contributions to the nation.
During
the event, a display of gratitude was also held to recognise and felicitate the
highest blood donor in Sikkim, along with ground-level government workers and
individuals who played crucial roles during the Sikkim flash flood that
occurred on October 4, 2023.
The
event also featured cultural performances by the talented students of Sunrise
Academy, Duga, and local artists, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the
Gorkha community while adding a vibrant touch to the solemn occasion and
reflecting the spirit of unity and patriotism.
The
ceremony was also attended by Laxmi Sharma, panchayat president; Goma Dhakal, panchayat
member; DK Bhujel, panchayat member; Draupadi Ghimirey, Padmashree awardee; CP
Giri, retired Director General of Police; Rudra Poudyal, educationist; DR
Nepal, retired secretary; Chuni Lal Ghimirey, SR Subba, president of Sikkim
Akademi; Kuber Dahal, translator of the Constitution; GL Sharma, retired commander
and director of SMIT; DB Chettri, principal Sunrise Academy Duga, along with
retired army personnel and members from Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh.