Pakyong, April 05 (IPR): The valedictory programme for the four-day Training cum Workshop for Graduate and Postgraduate Tribal Language Teachers, organised by the Social Welfare Department in collaboration with the Education Department, was held at the Tribal Research Institute and Training Centre, Assam Lingzey, today.
The training served as a platform for capacity building and knowledge exchange, aimed at strengthening efforts towards the preservation and promotion of indigenous languages and cultural heritage in the state.
Chairman, Primitive Tribe Welfare Board, Mr Chewang Norbu Lepcha, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
During his address, Chief Guest, Mr Chewang Norbu Lepcha, lauded the department for creating a  platform that enables language teachers to enhance their knowledge and contribute towards preserving community identity and cultural heritage.
He also stated that the state government has been  undertaking various initiatives to safeguard tribal languages and traditions, further urging the attendees to wear traditional attire in their respective institutions as a way to promote cultural awareness.
He highlighted concerns over the rising infertility rates among the Sikkimese population, stressing the importance of family planning and awareness of government-supported schemes.
Further, he highlighted the challenges of low student enrolment in government schools as a growing concern and informed that government schools are equipped with qualified teachers and enrolment in such institutions should be facilitated. He then urged taking collective responsibility to work towards eliminating drug abuse in the state.
Special Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Ms Bandana Chettri, highlighted that the training programme for language teachers is not only aimed at enhancing their skills but also at strengthening language as a crucial medium of communication for preserving cultural heritage and identity.
She also added that language goes beyond expression and is a reflection of who we are, further raising concern over the declining use of tribal languages among the younger generation.
Highlighting on the challenges, such as school closures, she emphasised on the role of educators in instilling interest in native languages from an early age through awareness among students and encouraging students to value their linguistic roots.
Additionally, she briefed participants on the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, advising the teachers to participate in the initiative. She then shared practical measures to help identify and address substance abuse issues among students and called for collective participation in building a drug-free state.
Further, the participants also undertook the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan pledge.
Deputy Secretary, Social Welfare Department (Tribal Affairs Division), Ms Chunkula Bhutia, emphasised that the occasion is a celebration of dedication and achievement to pay tribute to tribal language teachers for their role in preserving cultural heritage and enriching the nation’s educational landscape while safeguarding identity and promoting inclusivity.
She then urged the attendees to uphold the spirit of unity and cultural preservation and work towards strengthening the education of tribal languages.
A total of one hundred GT and PGT teachers from five tribal communities participated in the training session.
During the event, the participants also shared their experience and insights on the training and workshop programme, which was followed by a felicitation ceremony to the resource persons and participants.
Also present were Joint Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Ms Kavita Subba; AD TRI, Mr Sonam Wangchen Bhutia, along with officials from Social Welfare Department, Resource Person and Teachers from various schools.