Governor Attends Sulabh Alkem Award 2024 and Inaugurates Multipurpose Community Hall
Pakyong, 12 March 2024 : Governor of Sikkim, Mr Om Prakash Mathur, attended the Sulabh Alkem Award 2024 ceremony recognising best practices in sanitation and hygiene under Project Aagazplus at the Integrated Multipurpose Hall, Pakyong, today.
Organised by the Sulabh Sanitation Club and Alkem Foundation in collaboration with the Education Department, Government of Sikkim, the initiative promotes accessible and affordable hygienic sanitation in schools, with a special focus on girls’ education and empowerment.
Project AagazPlus for WASH-Friendly Schools integrates hygiene improvement into the education sector by encouraging small, doable actions in three key areas (handwashing with soap, drinking clean water, and using improved sanitation facilities). It aims to instill these practices among students and health clubs at a feasible pace, eventually transforming schools into WASH-friendly institutions.
The event was attended by Mr Puran Kumar Gurung, Minister for Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, and Fisheries Department; Ms Prabha Pradhan, Zilla Upadhyaksha Pakyong; Mr Rohan Agawane, District Collector Pakyong; Ms Dhan Maya Subba, SP Pakyong; Mr Robin Pd Sewa, ADC(Development); Mr Narayan Mishra, CEO Education Department along with Dr Prem Kumar Chairman Sulabh International and Mr Shirish Meshramkar Sr General Manager Alkem Foundation.
During the event, The Governor also inaugurated the Integrated Multipurpose Community Hall, a CSR initiative of the Airports Authority of India.
The Governor in his address underscored the importance of hygiene and sanitation, commending the Sulabh Sanitation Club and Alkem Foundation for their efforts in introducing Project AagazPlus within the education sector. He highlighted such initiatives play a crucial role in instilling a sense of hygiene and sanitation among students, ultimately leading to healthier lives.
He also praised the refurbishment of girls’ changing rooms in schools, emphasising their importance for female students. He urged stakeholders to continue supporting such initiatives for long-term impact.
The Governor acknowledged the Swachh Bharat Mission, initiated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, stating that it has significantly transformed sanitation and hygiene awareness in society, particularly benefiting women. He also highlighted that Sikkim was the first state to ban plastic, further contributing to the Swachh Bharat Mission. Additionally, he appreciated the State Government’s “Mero Rukh Mero Santati” initiative, a green initiative setting an example for other states.
District Collector, Pakyong, spoke about the importance of hygiene and sanitation in daily life and the need for proper toilet facilities. He thanked the Sulabh Sanitation Club for integrating these values into schools and assured the District Administration’s continued support in the initiative. He urged everyone to actively participate in promoting hygiene and sanitation.
CEO Education Department, elaborated on the Sulabh Sanitation Club’s activities in schools, including refurbishing girls’ changing rooms and installing handwashing stations. He emphasised that such improvements help students adopt better hygiene practices and urged all stakeholders to support these efforts.
Dr Prem Kumar, Chairman of Sulabh International, highlighted the organisation’s dedication to improving hygiene in the education sector, emphasising how collaboration with Alkem Foundation and the Education Department has led to significant improvements in sanitation and hygiene among students.
Additionally, Ms Poonam Pradhan (Joint Director, Education Department), Mr Santosh Chettri Principal, Govt. Sr. Sec. School, Dikchu, and student Ms Ayesha Khatun (PM Shri Govt. Girls Sr. Sec. School, Deorali) shared their experiences on the impact of Project AagazPlus and Sulabh Sanitation Club initiatives. They highlighted improvements such as the inauguration of girls’ changing rooms and enhanced WASH practices in schools.
The Sulabh Alkem Award 2024 recognised schools excelling in WASH initiatives, emphasising student and teacher participation under Project AagazPlus.
Award Winners:
* Best Performing School:
Government Secondary School, Dalapchand
* Best Teachers:
Ruchi Thapa (Government Sr. Sec. School, Machong)
Aquino Sharma (Government Sr. Sec. School, Mamring)
Karma Kunsang Tamang (PM Shri Government Sr. Sec. School, Soreng)
Santosh Chettri (Government Sr. Sec. School, Dikchu)
* Best Volunteers:
Ayesha Khatun (PM Shri Govt. Girls Sr. Sec. School, Deorali)
Ayogita Sharma (Government Sr. Sec. School, Machong)
Ayush Thapa (PM Shri Government Sr. Sec. School, Soreng)
Also present during the programme were officers and officials from the various Department of Pakyong, representatives from Airport authority, teachers and students.
