Year-long Centennial celebration of PNG School concludes

ISABELLA GURUNG

GANGTOK, : The year-long centennial celebration of Paljor Namgyal Girls’ (PNG) School here concluded on Wednesday with a grand 101st Founder’s Day celebration held at the school premises.

The event was attended by Urban Development minister Bhoj Raj Rai as the chief guest, along with chief patron and Health minister GT Dhungel, MLAs Delay Namgyal Barfungpa and LN Nepal, Walter H. Scott—the great-grandson of founder Dr. Mary H. Scott, former principal Jem Pandi N. Targain, current principal Ivan D. Lepcha, PNG School alumni, teaching and non-teaching staff, students, and parents.

Founder’s Day marks the birth anniversary of PNG School’s founder, Dr. Mary Hepburn Scott. Celebrated under the theme ‘Blazing New Path,’ the centennial celebration, spanning from May 21, 2024, to May 21, 2025, featured a series of events conducted in phases.

Minister Bhoj Raj Rai congratulated the school on completing 100 years and thanked all former and current principals for providing quality education and shaping students into accomplished individuals.

“PNG School is renowned not just in Sikkim, but around the world for quality-based education. The school has produced women leaders, politicians, doctors, lawyers, and professionals in various fields. My wife is also a PNG School alumna. We deeply respect this school, as it upholds the law and is playing a key role in empowering women and girls from Sikkim. PNG School is a blessing to Sikkim,” he said.

The minister also encouraged students to broaden their ambitions beyond government jobs.

“Your education is not just about landing a specific job; it’s about making your life meaningful. Our parents often taught us to get a job, but jobs can sometimes make us subservient. Change your mindset, and be your own boss,” he added.

On the occasion, minister GT Dhungel and former principal Jem Pandi N. Targain were felicitated.

Principal Ivan D. Lepcha presented a report on the centennial celebration. Key activities included a teacher’s retreat and picnic, sports day, alumni interactions, a literary fest, cultural programs, a band competition, and a grand final celebration. The first major event was the Theme Run, which saw participation from 15,000 individuals, including students, alumni, staff, and well-wishers.

During the event, a special cover by India Post, the PNG School History Book, and the Centennial Magazine (cover) were released by the guests.

A play titled ‘Reflecting Back, Blazing Ahead’ performed by the students, and a performance by the PNG Pipe Band were also part of the celebrations.

The PNG School was founded in 1924 by Scottish missionary Dr. Mary Hepburn Scott. It was formally structured in 1944 and named after the then Crown Prince of Sikkim.