On Saturday, February 14, 2026, the District Administrative Centre (DAC), Pakyong, staged “Pratha — Celebrating Generations,” an intergenerational day held at St. Xavier’s School Ground in Pakyong under the District-Level Integrated Senior Citizens Welfare Programme of the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana. The event aimed to strengthen bonds between older residents and youth through cultural exchange, legal awareness, health services and skill-building activities. Gnathang–Machong MLA and advisor for the Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, Pamin Lepcha, was the chief guest. District Collector Rohan Agawane, Additional District Collector Pulkit, SDM (HQ) Thendup Lepcha, local panchayat members, teachers, students and senior citizens also attended.
Organisers from the Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department said the festival was designed to celebrate continuity of tradition and intergenerational care. The District Collector explained that the name “Pratha” reflects traditions passed down through generations and noted that students formed the backbone of the day’s programmes, with participation from across the district.
Pamin Lepcha praised public turnout and the event’s community focus, saying, “Most importantly, the programme beautifully upheld the dignity, wisdom, and invaluable contributions of our elders.” She added that “such initiatives play a crucial role in strengthening social harmony,” and congratulated the organising team for fostering inclusion and cultural continuity.
The programme included a mix of competitive and non-competitive events, student-centred performances, and engagement corners featuring painting, manga art, book exhibitions and interactive games. Self‑Help Group stalls and recreational activities promoted local enterprise and community participation. A free health camp ran throughout the day, and a walkathon was organised specifically for senior citizens.
A senior advocate from the Sikkim State Legal Services Authority, Narendra Rai, led an informative session on legal rights of senior citizens, covering remedies, maintenance tribunals and protections against neglect or discrimination. Skill-building sessions for students included personality development and soft skills by Aanchal Agawane and an introductory session on AI and technology by Dinesh Dhungel. Storytelling by Nabin Dabari highlighted oral traditions. The event also saw the launch of books titled Merger Memories & Other Stories and Numkum, and concluded with a prize distribution ceremony recognising winners of various competitions, organisers said in a press release.
Original Source: https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/pratha-festival-celebrates-inter-generational-bonding-at-pakyong
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