Students urged
to seize opportunities provided by State Govt
PAKYONG, (IPR): Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang graced the occasion of the Silver Jubilee Celebration under the theme “Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future” at ATTC Bardang today. The silver jubilee celebration of the Advanced Technical Training Centre (ATTC) was a four-day event filled with a variety of activities that highlighted the institute’s rich history and achievements.
The festivities
included cultural programmes, sports activities, alumni meetings and engaging
academic fairs where innovative projects and research were on display.
The Chief
Minister, Prem Singh Tamang, in his address, commended ATTC on the occasion of
its 25th Silver Jubilee, acknowledging its unwavering dedication and
commendable efforts. He encouraged the students to utilise their technicalities
and knowledge in APEX companies and build their entrepreneurship skills for
more employment opportunities and growth rather than relying solely on
traditional employment opportunities.
Furthermore,
the Chief Minister stressed a range of innovative State government initiatives
and programmes designed to empower and support the younger generation,
including SIKKIM INSPIRES, the Sabbatical Leave scheme, NB Bhandari Fellowship
Programme and APATAN Fellowship Programme, aimed at fostering skill development
and collectively equipping the youth with the resources and guidance they need
to thrive and make meaningful contributions to society.
The Chief
Minister also granted Rs. 20
lakh rupees from the Chief Minister’s Discretionary Grant for the establishment
of smart classes of students at the campus.
Further, the
Chief Minister assured to provide assistance in enhancing the educational
experience and overall development of the students and encouraged them to seize
the opportunities offered by the State government, while emphasising the
importance of personal growth and self-improvement in their academic and
professional journeys.
He articulated
that the ATTC was established with the vision of addressing the employable
skill requirements of youth and has emerged as a prominent polytechnic
institution in India. Notably, it has distinguished itself as the first
polytechnic in the North East to secure accreditation from the National Board
of Accreditation (NBA) and has formed strategic partnerships with Maruti Suzuki
and Harley Davidson. Furthermore, he highlighted that to bolster ATTC's
academic excellence, the State government has allocated necessary grants and
has provided additional support during instances of flash floods.
The Chief
Minister added that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to
fostering an educational ecosystem that stimulates progress, demonstrated
through initiatives such as the National Institute of Technology in Khamdong,
the establishment of Khangchendzonga State University, the Subash Chandra Bose
Centre of Excellence, and the relocation of Sikkim University to Yangang. The
objective of the government is to position Sikkim as a hub for higher
education, creating a conducive environment for learning and ensuring that
quality education is accessible throughout the state.
He highlighted
that Sikkim is in the process of establishing a residential, high-quality model
school and has segregated school education from higher and technical education.
Financial assistance is being extended to students pursuing studies abroad in the
top twenty universities under the 'NB Bhandari Fellowship Program' and to those
engaged in Ph.D. studies in Sikkim's indigenous languages through the APATAN
Fellowship program.
Likewise, he
underscored that the Sikkim INSPIRES programme, supported by the World Bank,
has been introduced, aiming to reinforce the State system, promote inclusive
growth, enhance employment opportunities for women and youth, and improve the
delivery of services that facilitate economic inclusion. The State government
is resolutely committed to supporting initiatives that guarantee no youth from
Sikkim is deprived of education or employment.
At the onset,
he also inaugurated the SC/ST Hostel and Incubation Cell located at the campus.
Additionally, Raju
Basnett, minister of Education, Sports & Youth Affairs, Law, and
Parliamentary Affairs departments, congratulated the institution on the
remarkable achievement. He then suggested adding short-term technical courses
to the syllabus to enhance their practical skills, further increasing
employment opportunities in various industries.
Tshewang
Gyatchho Bhutia, secretary of Technical and Higher Education, expressed his
heartfelt appreciation for the remarkable efforts made by both the faculty and
students in establishing a strong identity for the institute, especially in the
wake of the devastating flash floods that had impacted the region. Further, he
encouraged the students to prioritise skill development, highlighting that
sharpening their abilities will be crucial for their personal growth and the
advancement of the institution as a whole.
Furthermore,
Sonam Palden Barfungpa, principal ATTC, provided brief information on the
history of the institution and underscored the achievements and accomplishments
of ATTC. In addition, he also extended his gratitude to the State government
for undertaking various efforts to upgrade and create an exemplary platform in
the field of technical education for the students.
The day also
witnessed cultural performances alongside felicitation presentations to
recognise the contributions of the students, teachers and faculty.
Additionally, the event also featured a video presentation showcasing the
evolution of the institution over the decades.
The celebration
also had the presence of LB Das, advisor for Information Technology (IT),
Information & Public Relations and Land Revenue & Disaster Management departments;
MP Subba, advisor Education department; Sonam Palzor Bhutia, OSD Education department;
secretaries, DC Pakyong, Sr SP along with dignitaries from various departments,
students and teachers.
