After a hiatus of 14 years, the Sikkim Youth Welfare Association (SYWA) has been formally revived with a new executive body, bringing renewed hope and direction for youth empowerment in the state.

Founded in 1998 by Robin Rai, SYWA had been a prominent non-governmental organisation dedicated to addressing the concerns of young people across Sikkim. The association actively worked on youth development, social awareness, and cultural pride. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, it ceased operations in 2011.

In a press conference held at the Association’s headquarters in Gangtok today, the new leadership officially announced the revival of SYWA and outlined its renewed vision and objectives. The newly formed executive committee includes:
• Chitrakala Subba – President
• Rinzing Ongmu Bhutia – Vice President
• Samyoma Limboo – General Secretary
• Deepanjali Sharma – Joint Secretary
• Khandu Hisey Gyalmu Bhutia – Treasurer
• Joshya Rai – Coordinator
• Mohan K Karki – Liaisoning Officer

Speaking in the press conference Mohan K Karki emphasised the non-political nature of the organisation and reaffirmed its founding principles of unity, cultural pride, social responsibility, and youth development.

“Our vision is to build a strong, aware, and proactive youth force in Sikkim. We aim to create platforms for growth, leadership, and service for the young generation,” he said.

Registered in Gangtok, SYWA will soon roll out a series of youth-centric initiatives, including awareness campaigns, leadership workshops, cultural programs, and community outreach activities.

The fisheries sector in Sikkim is witnessing rapid growth, with over 2,000 families actively involved in pisciculture, according to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang. Marking National Fish Farmers’ Day, the Chief Minister highlighted the sector’s critical role in strengthening rural livelihoods, ensuring food security, and boosting the state economy.

In his message, CM Tamang praised the collective efforts of Sikkim’s fish farming community, stating that their growing participation in modern aquaculture reflects a promising shift toward sustainable and profitable practices.

“The sector has become a major pillar of self-employment and economic stability for many families,” he said, noting that technological innovations like Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and biofloc technology have been successfully adopted in the state.

The Chief Minister also emphasized the growing enthusiasm among the youth for modern fish farming, calling it a “hopeful sign for the future.” He added that the government’s forthcoming initiative to launch Organic Fish Farmingwill align with Sikkim’s longstanding organic mission and open up unique market opportunities for local producers.

Recognizing the role of fish farmers as innovators and contributors to rural transformation, Tamang remarked, “Our fish farmers have become torchbearers of sustainable development, and their resilience is shaping a new chapter in Sikkim’s economic story.”

He concluded by extending heartfelt greetings to all fish farmers, acknowledging their unwavering dedication to advancing food security and the socio-economic well-being of rural communities.

Minister G.T. Dhungel, held a crucial meeting with Secretary of the Ministry of AYUSH, Shri Rajesh Kotecha, in New Delhi. The meeting focused on strengthening the AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) framework in Sikkim through strategic collaborations and the formation of a dedicated department.

GT Dhungel was accompanied by Ms. Suchitra Rasaily, Secretary of the Department of AYUSH, Government of Sikkim, and Mr. Sanjay Singh, Additional Chief Engineer from the Department of Health. Together, they presented Sikkim’s vision to promote traditional medicine and wellness in the state, emphasizing accessibility and effectiveness.

“The meeting was a significant step forward in our efforts to promote the AYUSH systems of medicine and wellness in Sikkim,” he stated. Discussions included the formation of a new department and innovative ways to expand AYUSH services for the benefit of the Sikkimese population.

The Ministry appreciated Sikkim’s proactive approach under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang-Golay. The AYUSH Secretary assured full support in scaling the initiatives and taking them to the next level.

Minister expressed confidence that this collaboration will open up new avenues for public health and wellness across Sikkim. He also acknowledged the contributions of Ms. Rasaily and Mr. Singh for their dedicated efforts.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to work closely with the Ministry and stakeholders to promote AYUSH-based healthcare and improve the quality of life for the people of Sikkim.

As part of the ongoing 50th year of statehood celebrations, Yuksam-Tashiding under Gyalshing district organized a Half Marathon today under the theme “Mero Rukh Mero Santati”, an initiative of the Government of Sikkim envisioned by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Mr Prem Singh Tamang(Golay).

The marathon aimed to promote a healthy and active lifestyle while raising awareness about environmental conservation and discouraging substance abuse among youth.

The event was flagged off from Yuksam Helipad at 8:00 AM by Advisor to state medicinal plants board Mr NB Limboo, in the presence of Zilla Adhakshya Gyalshing Mr Ds Limboo, Range Officer KNP/T Mr Tenzing W Bhutia, and other dignitaries.

Over 200 runners from various parts of Sikkim and neighboring states participated in the marathon, which concluded at Gerethang Bazar with a prize distribution ceremony.

The event was jointly organized by registered local NGOs from the Gerethang-Labing GPU, in collaboration with the Forest & Environment Department and the Commerce & Industries Department, Government of Sikkim.

Minister for Tourism & Civil Aviation and Commerce & Industries Department, and Area MLA, Mr Tshering T Bhutia, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and also participated in a plantation drive conducted as part of the event.

In the women’s category, Ms Priya Tamang from Kalimpong secured the first position, followed by Ms Sapna Patel from Gangtok and Ms Bandana Limboo from Kalimpong, who placed second and third, respectively.
In the men’s category, Mr Brahma Lall from Rajasthan clinched the top spot, while Mr Bikash Bhujel from Kalimpong and Mr Prince Raj Mishra from Bihar secured second and third places, respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Mr Tshering T Bhutia congratulated the winners and participants, and commended the efforts of the organizing teams and supporting departments. He emphasized the importance of sports and fitness for both mental and physical well-being, and elaborated on the Mero Rukh Mero Santati scheme, under which every parent of a newborn is encouraged to plant 108 trees. The government supports this initiative by providing a one-time fixed deposit in the child’s name to assist with future educational expenses.

He also expressed concern over the rising screen time, online gaming addiction, and increasing instances of drug abuse among youth. The Minister highlighted the alarming trend of substance abuse and assured that the state government is taking stringent measures to curb the menace. He urged the younger generation to focus on constructive pursuits and meaningful contributions to society. Furthermore, he outlined various youth-centric development and welfare schemes launched by the state government.

The winners were felicitated with certificates, medals, and cash prizes by the Minister.

Also present at the event were Advisor to the Chief Minister Mr GM Lepcha, Advisor to the State Medicinal Plants Board Mr NB Limboo, Deputy Commandant of 72 BN SSB Yuksam Mr Meghnath Routh, Assistant Commandant Mr Jon Lenthang, Marathon Man of Sikkim Mr Amar Subba, Zilla and Gram Panchayat members, officials from the Forest Department, SSB personnel, representatives from local NGOs, Students, and the general public.

Report from DIO Gyalshing

A routine training mission turned fatal on Wednesday afternoon when an Indian Air Force (IAF) Jaguar trainer aircraft crashed in an agricultural field near Bhanoda village in Churu district, Rajasthan, claiming the lives of both pilots onboard.

The incident took place around 1:25 p.m. during what the IAF described as a routine training mission. The aircraft went down in an agricultural area, but fortunately, no civilian casualties or damage to property were reported.

In a brief official statement, the Indian Air Force confirmed the loss of lives and expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased pilots. The IAF also announced that a Court of Inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the crash.

Eyewitnesses in the village said they heard a loud explosion and saw debris burning in the field. Locals rushed to the site immediately. Soon after, police personnel, fire services, and ambulances arrived and cordoned off the area.

Local police confirmed that body parts were discovered near the wreckage. The administration acted swiftly to secure the site and begin formal procedures.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Governor Haribhau Bagade expressed their grief over the incident. The Chief Minister posted his condolences and stated that emergency services had been mobilized without delay to handle the aftermath.

The Jaguar aircraft, a long-serving part of India’s Air Force fleet, has seen multiple incidents in recent years, raising concerns about the aging platform. Despite ongoing upgrades, the aircraft continues to be part of IAF operations, especially for ground-attack and training missions.

As part of its intensified ‘Drug-Free Sikkim’ campaign, Sikkim Police has taken a significant step towards curbing drug cultivation and use in Pakyong district. Acting on the initiative, the Rorathang Police Outpost conducted a focused operation to destroy illegally grown cannabis plants spread across Titribote Tar and Bengthang Pachekhani areas.

The campaign, guided by the core motto “Safety and Service,” aims to make Pakyong a drug-free zone. The recent crackdown not only targeted illegal cultivation but also helped raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse among the local community.

Police officials have reiterated their commitment to continuing such operations in the future, with the larger goal of ensuring public safety and fostering a healthier, addiction-free society.