News & Announcement
‘Jhoom International 2025’ celebrates the spirit of inclusive talent and creative expression
Gangtok, November 9 (IPR): The grand finale of ‘Jhoom International 2025’, India’s first international talent hunt for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), was organised at Manan Kendra, Gangtok, today. The event was hosted by the Shantidham Foundation in collaboration with the SKM Social Service Wing and Sarathi (Tamasoma Jyotirgamaya), with support from the Sikkim State Cooperative Union and Saiyata Foundation.
Minister, Printing and Stationery Department, Social Welfare Department, and Women and Child Development Department, Mr Samdup Lepcha, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
In his address, the Minister described the programme as one of the most memorable he had attended. He expressed delight at the talent and confidence displayed by the participants, praising their performances and acknowledging the inspiring spirit they brought to the stage. He also highlighted various state initiatives aimed at supporting persons with disabilities.
The programme commenced with a welcome song presented by students of Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Institute, Namchi. The Welcome Address was delivered by Mr Bishal Sharma, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest and informed that over 30 artists from various states across India had participated in the event.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Sanyasi Behera, Deputy Secretary, Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department (SSEPD), Government of Odisha, and the first visually impaired officer of the Odisha Administrative Service, highlighted the efforts of the Shantidham Foundation in promoting inclusion and empowerment. He stated that the organisation has been working consistently since the year 2000 to support underprivileged children and persons with disabilities through various developmental activities.
The event featured cultural performances by differently abled artists from across the country, showcasing talent in dance, singing, instrumental music, and poetry. The audience responded with warm applause, and several performances received standing ovations. All participants were felicitated with certificates and awards in recognition of their contribution.
A felicitation ceremony was held to honour the recipients of the Social Excellence Awards, namely:
▪︎ Mr Rabindra Kumar Sahu, Retd. AGM, SBI, Odisha
▪︎ Ms Jyoti Ranjan Das, Professor & Dean (Students’ Welfare), SOA University, Odisha
▪︎ Ms Chumsey Roma Bhutia, Sikkim
▪︎ Mr Indra Narayan Pradhan, President, Sanjeevani Rehab Society
A separate felicitation ceremony recognised the recipients of the Jhoom International Excellence Awards:
▪︎ Ms Roma Neopaney, Nepal
▪︎ Mr Arow Azor CT, Manipur
▪︎ Ms Lilamaya Chhetri, West Bengal
▪︎ Mr Rahul Rai, Sikkim
▪︎ Mr Ranveer Singh Saini, Haryana
▪︎ Mr Cheyang Kuenchap, Bhutan
▪︎ Ms Rajani Gopal Krishna, Karnataka
A brief report on the activities of the SKM Social Service Wing was presented by its Chief Coordinator, Mr SB Moktan, who shared that similar inclusive programmes will continue to be organised with greater outreach.
Chief Patron of the Jhoom Organising Committee, Mr Sahadev Sharma, expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister, Mr Prem Singh Tamang, for his support in enabling the successful organisation of the event.
On the occasion, the Chief Guest also launched Sarathi Magazine and Samarth Magazine.
The programme was also attended by, MLA cum Advisor, Food and Civil Supplies Department and Urban Development Department, Mr Delay Namgyal Barfungpa, Deputy Mayor, GMC, Ms Tshering Palden Bhutia, Secretary, Women and Child Development Department, Ms Normit Lepcha, Secretary, Education Department, Mr Tashi Chophel Lepcha, Secretary, Commerce and Industries Department, Ms Karma D Youtso, Founder, Shantidham Foundation, Mr Saubhagya Rautrey, Chief Patron, Shantidham Foundation, Mr Sahadev Sharma, President, Shantidham Foundation, Mr Pawan Prasai, Advisor, Mr Suryaranjhan Mohanty, Executive Director, Shantidham Foundation, Ms Lillu Raut Ray, members of the organising committee, officials from various departments and students from various universities.
The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Mr DM Tamang, Vice Convener, SKM Social Service Wing.
Minister, Printing and Stationery Department, Social Welfare Department, and Women and Child Development Department, Mr Samdup Lepcha, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
In his address, the Minister described the programme as one of the most memorable he had attended. He expressed delight at the talent and confidence displayed by the participants, praising their performances and acknowledging the inspiring spirit they brought to the stage. He also highlighted various state initiatives aimed at supporting persons with disabilities.
The programme commenced with a welcome song presented by students of Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Institute, Namchi. The Welcome Address was delivered by Mr Bishal Sharma, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest and informed that over 30 artists from various states across India had participated in the event.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Sanyasi Behera, Deputy Secretary, Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department (SSEPD), Government of Odisha, and the first visually impaired officer of the Odisha Administrative Service, highlighted the efforts of the Shantidham Foundation in promoting inclusion and empowerment. He stated that the organisation has been working consistently since the year 2000 to support underprivileged children and persons with disabilities through various developmental activities.
The event featured cultural performances by differently abled artists from across the country, showcasing talent in dance, singing, instrumental music, and poetry. The audience responded with warm applause, and several performances received standing ovations. All participants were felicitated with certificates and awards in recognition of their contribution.
A felicitation ceremony was held to honour the recipients of the Social Excellence Awards, namely:
▪︎ Mr Rabindra Kumar Sahu, Retd. AGM, SBI, Odisha
▪︎ Ms Jyoti Ranjan Das, Professor & Dean (Students’ Welfare), SOA University, Odisha
▪︎ Ms Chumsey Roma Bhutia, Sikkim
▪︎ Mr Indra Narayan Pradhan, President, Sanjeevani Rehab Society
A separate felicitation ceremony recognised the recipients of the Jhoom International Excellence Awards:
▪︎ Ms Roma Neopaney, Nepal
▪︎ Mr Arow Azor CT, Manipur
▪︎ Ms Lilamaya Chhetri, West Bengal
▪︎ Mr Rahul Rai, Sikkim
▪︎ Mr Ranveer Singh Saini, Haryana
▪︎ Mr Cheyang Kuenchap, Bhutan
▪︎ Ms Rajani Gopal Krishna, Karnataka
A brief report on the activities of the SKM Social Service Wing was presented by its Chief Coordinator, Mr SB Moktan, who shared that similar inclusive programmes will continue to be organised with greater outreach.
Chief Patron of the Jhoom Organising Committee, Mr Sahadev Sharma, expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister, Mr Prem Singh Tamang, for his support in enabling the successful organisation of the event.
On the occasion, the Chief Guest also launched Sarathi Magazine and Samarth Magazine.
The programme was also attended by, MLA cum Advisor, Food and Civil Supplies Department and Urban Development Department, Mr Delay Namgyal Barfungpa, Deputy Mayor, GMC, Ms Tshering Palden Bhutia, Secretary, Women and Child Development Department, Ms Normit Lepcha, Secretary, Education Department, Mr Tashi Chophel Lepcha, Secretary, Commerce and Industries Department, Ms Karma D Youtso, Founder, Shantidham Foundation, Mr Saubhagya Rautrey, Chief Patron, Shantidham Foundation, Mr Sahadev Sharma, President, Shantidham Foundation, Mr Pawan Prasai, Advisor, Mr Suryaranjhan Mohanty, Executive Director, Shantidham Foundation, Ms Lillu Raut Ray, members of the organising committee, officials from various departments and students from various universities.
The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Mr DM Tamang, Vice Convener, SKM Social Service Wing.