Essence 2018, a three day sensitisation programme on Social Equity, Gender Issues, Human Trafficking, Legal Rights, Sexual Harassment at Work Place, Health issues, Mental Health, Tuberculosis, and Intellectual Property Rights was held in NBBDC, Tadong. This programme is focused at raising these social concerns of the society. A gamut of resource persons from India and Nepal will be sharing their experiences and knowledge with students from 24-26 Oct, 2018. The programme was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Shri G. P. Upadhyaya, ACS and Principal Secretary, HRDD and Guest of Honour, Shri D. K. Pradhan, Director (H. E) , HRDD.
In her welcome address, The Principal of the College Dr. Bina Pradhan thanked HRDD and Government of Sikkim for supporting such unique initiatives of the College. Shri. Upadhyaya congratulated the college for hosting such programs which was the need of the hour and especially pertinent in the present Indian and global scenario.
One of the main attractions was the presence of Ms. Peden O. Namgyal, Miss Sikkim 2017, Miss NE Diva 2017 and Yamaha Fascino Miss Supernatural India 2017. She shared her story and all the hard work that goes into making a diva and fashion icon. She also answered a lot of queries from students. Ms. Sajani Joshi, Legal Adviser to Maiti Nepal from Kathmandu talked about the work of Maiti Nepal in combatting human trafficking, organ selling racket, child abuse and exploitation. She also counselled students on the different ways trafficking happens across countries and how women should be careful in dealing with traffickers. The students gained much knowledge from her experience and expertise.
Mr. Jorgay Namkha, Sr. Advocate, High Court of Sikkim talked to students about legal rights of women in India and Sikkim in general. He interacted with students on the rights and responsibilities of women and the protection of women against discrimination.
Ms. Rongu Souriya, Woman and Child Activist from Kanchenjunga Uddhar Kendra, Siliguri talked about different gender issues and women rights.
Ms. Linda Palmu, ASP Sikkim Police talked on Mission Jyoti: Flame of Fearlessness.
On 25th the programme will focus on adolescent health issues, tuberculosis and mental health. Dr. C. L. Pradhan, Dr. Chungden Lepcha, Dr. Dichen C Tshering and Dr. Yudok Bhutia will be the panelists.
On the last day, talks will focus on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and Sexual Harassment In Work Place. Prof. Satyanarayan, Sikkim University, Dr. B. C Basishta from DST and Ms. Nandita Pradhan, Director of Martha Farrell Foundation, New Delhi will be the resource persons.
The programme was jointly organised by Gender Sensitisation Unit, Equal Opportunity Cell, IPR Cell and Internal Complaints and Grievance Cell of the College. Dr. Monashree Pradhan was the Convenor and Dr. C. Lachungpa was the Organising Secretary of this program. This three day sensitisation programme was sponsored by RUSA, MHRD, GoI and HRDD, GoS.