Melli, 7th Feb (IPR): Hon’ble Governor Mr. Ganga Prasad attended the 9th Senior Citizen Day at Mahatma Gandhi Park, Village Administrative Centre at Mellidara Paiyong GPU, today. He was accompanied by SDM (Jorethang) Mr. R. B. Bhandari, SDPO (Jorethang) Mr. S. K. Shrestha alongside other officials, senior citizens and Panchayats alike.

Addressing, the gathering Hon'ble Governor extended warm wishes on the occasion of Senior Citizens Day. He commended the Gram Panchayat Unit of Mellidara Paiyong in successfully organizing this day and urged other GPU’s to also emulate the same. The Hon'ble Governor urged the youths of the locality to acknowledge the contributions and knowledge of the elderly and implement the same for the upliftment of the civil society. Citing, the example of 99 years old elder person who was present during the celebration the Hon'ble Governor advocated to take inspiration from him through his valuable life experience and inculcate these experiences in our day to day life.

Speaking, about the work of the Panchayats he emphasized that the labour done at the grassroots level is of paramount importance. He also highlighted that Sikkim is renowned as an Organic State and said that focus should be laid on farming and added that for farming water is absolutely necessary. In, this regard the Hon'ble Governor spoke in brief about Central Government’s scheme named ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ (JJM) which is aimed at increasing water available to households. The goal of JJM is to provide functional tap connection to every household. This Mission plans to augment local water sources, recharge existing sources and promote water harvesting and desalination, wherever required.

It may be mentioned that the Hon'ble Governor also provided monetary provision for the upliftment of the VAC, Mellidara Paiyong.

Speaking, about today’s observance panchayat president Ms. Kusum Dhakal spoke in brief about the Senior Citizens Day celebration which is being held at Mellidara since the past many years. She also said that various activities to attend to the needs of senior citizens including that of medical check-up, pilgrimage tours and various other substantial ventures have been undertaken by the panchayats and the people of the locality.

During, the course of the program Area co-ordinator Mr. Balaram Sharma was also felicitated by the Hon’ble Governor and other officials. The program was marked by colourful cultural extravaganza prepared by different Self Help Groups and local artists. The Hon'ble Governor also distributed blankets to the senior citizens.