Monday, Nov 10, 2025 21:45 [IST]
Last Update: Sunday, Nov 09, 2025 16:04 [IST]
GANGTOK, (IPR): The grand finale of ‘Jhoom International 2025’, India’s first international talent hunt for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), was held at Manan Kendra, Gangtok today. The event was organised by Shantidham Foundation in collaboration with SKM Social Service Wing and Sarathi, with support from Sikkim State Cooperative Union and Saiyata Foundation.
Social Welfare minister Samdup Lepcha attended the event 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.
Thirty artists from various States across India had participated in the competition.
Addressing the gathering, 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 following recipients of the Social Excellence Awards: Rabindra Kumar Sahu, retired AGM, SBI, Odisha; Jyoti Ranjan Das, professor & Dean (Students’ Welfare), SOA University, Odisha; Chumsey Roma Bhutia, Sikkim; Indra Narayan Pradhan, president, Sanjeevani Rehab Society.
A separate felicitation ceremony recognised the recipients of the Jhoom International Excellence Awards Roma Neopaney (Nepal), Arow Azor CT (Manipur), Lilamaya Chhetri (West Bengal), Rahul Rai (Sikkim), Ranveer Singh Saini (Haryana), Cheyang Kuenchap (Bhutan) and Rajani Gopal Krishna (Karnataka).
A brief report on the activities of the SKM Social Service Wing was presented by its chief coordinator, SB Moktan, who shared that similar inclusive programmes will continue to be organised with greater outreach.
Chief patron of the Jhoom Organising Committee, Sahadev Sharma, expressed gratitude to Chief Minister 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 Gangtok MLA Delay Namgyal Barfungpa, GMC deputy mayor Tshering Palden Bhutia, Women and Child Development secretary Normit Lepcha, Education secretary Tashi Chophel Lepcha, Commerce and Industries secretary Karma D Youtso, Shantidham Foundation founder Saubhagya Rautrey, Shantidham Foundation president Pawan Prasai, advisor Suryaranjhan Mohanty, executive director Lillu Raut Ray, members of the organising committee, officials from various departments and students from various universities.
