MP Indra Hang attends centenary celebration of Dentam school

GYALSHING, (IPR): The centenary celebration of PM SHRI Government Senior Secondary School, Dentam entered its sixth day of festivities today.

Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba attended the event as the chief guest, while Gyalshing district collector Tenzing D. Denzongpa attended as the guest of honour in the presence of MLA and chief patron of organising committee, Sudesh Kumar Subba.

The formal programme, held in the school auditorium, commenced with cultural presentations by students, celebrating the diverse traditions of Sikkim.

In his address, Indra Hang Subba congratulated the school community on achieving the remarkable milestone of 100 years and lauded its pivotal role in shaping generations of young minds. Recalling the school’s establishment in 1925, a period when people struggled for food, shelter, and clothing, he described the vision of founding an educational institution in a remote area near Chewabhanjyang as both visionary and praiseworthy, honouring the sacrifices and contributions of its founders.

He highlighted the school’s continuous excellence, noting that Dentam school has produced numerous leaders, administrators, social workers and responsible citizens. “The process of shaping the future begins with quality education. We must not fear the future but make the best use of the time at hand to impart education that develops responsible leaders,” he said.

Subba emphasised the importance of fostering critical thinking, stating, “Education should not dictate what to think, it should inspire students on how to think.”

Reflecting on his visit to the science exhibition, he observed that while some students were confident in English communication and engaged effectively with visitors, others seemed hesitant. He suggested that students must be given the freedom to share their ideas meaningfully, ensuring language does not become a barrier to their aspirations. He appreciated initiatives such as the Atal Tinkering Lab and other state government programs that allow students to experience advanced learning opportunities at the school level, opportunities he himself encountered only during college.

He further highlighted that excluding corporate and private institutions, no other state in India matches the infrastructure of government schools in Sikkim. However, he cautioned that facilities alone are not enough, commitment and dedication from educators are crucial. “Neglecting our responsibilities today will impact the next generation. These young children are innocent now, but within the next ten years, they will face the realities of life, and it is our duty to guide them on the right path.

The chief guest emphasised that it is the shared responsibility of all stakeholders, including educators, administrators, students, alumni and the community, to strategically focus resources and efforts to elevate Dentam school into a premier national institution over the next 25 years. He stated that the founders have laid a strong and enduring foundation, and it is now incumbent upon all of us to build upon it with dedication, upholding truth and integrity in every endeavour.

The chief guest and guest of honour also visited the ongoing science and art exhibitions, where students showcased their creative and innovative works, reflecting the school’s emphasis on experiential learning.

The latter session of the programme featured sports events and cultural segments, further energizing the celebrations and continuing the spirit of the centenary festivities.