Interlocutor ToR includes “Addressing Gorkha Aspirations within the constitutional framework.”

Answering to a question raised by the Trinamool Congress MP from Maturapur, Bapi Halder, the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityananda Rai has informed the Lok Sabha that the Government of India had “appointed an Interlocutor to hold constructive dialogue with various stakeholders”, as “there was no representation of the Government of West Bengal in two tripartite meetings, and no substantial representation in one meeting”, held on issues related to the Gorkha community.

The Minister said the “Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) was formed following a tripartite agreement in 2011 between the Government of India, the Government of Bengal and the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha. In July 2017, all elected members of the GTA resigned. In view of the absence of elected members in the GTA and repeated requests for dialogue by Gorkha leaders, the Home Ministry convened three tripartite meetings on October 7, 2020, October 12, 2021, and April 3, 2025.

Subsequently, the Government of India appointed an Interlocutor fromer Dy NSA and IPS Officer Pankaj Kumar Singh to engage with various stakeholders, including representatives of Gorkha organizations, on issues concerning Gorkhas.

The interlocutor’s term is one year. The interlocutor will engage in constructive dialogue with various stakeholders and suggest measures to resolve these issues.

The Terms of Reference (ToR) for the interlocutor are as follows:

(i) To undertake constructive dialogue with various stakeholders including representatives of Gorkha organizations on the issues relating to Gorkhas in Darjeeling Hills, Tarai and Dooars region of West Bengal and suggest measures to resolve issues and roadmap in this regard.

(ii) To hold discussions with other stakeholders in Darjeeling Hills, Tarai and Dooars region of West Bengal in this regard.

(iii) Recommend measures for socio-economic upliftment, cultural recognition, and preservation of cultural heritage of Gorkhas in the region, and addressing their aspirations within the Constitutional framework.

It should be noted that interlocutor former Dy NSA Pankaj Kuma Singh (IPS) has been visiting the Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars region, and has held talks with various representatives here.

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Nepathya Live in Siliguri marks the band’s debut performance in the city, a moment long anticipated by audiences across North Bengal, Sikkim, and the Eastern Himalayan region – where Nepathya’s songs have circulated for years through recordings, memory, and cultural inheritance, but never before through a Siliguri stage

The concert will be held at Utsodhaara Teesta Township, behind Kawakhali Ground, placing Siliguri – often described as a gateway city – at the center of a rare cross-border cultural convergence.

The event is presented by PVE Network, Club Gravity, and Mainali International Human Resources. PVE Network – owner of the IP Let’s Get Loud India Series, which featured Sajjan Raj Vaidya – is also serving as the curator for the Siliguri project, framing the concert as part of a broader vision for culturally rooted, regionally significant live music platforms in eastern India.

Over the years, Nepathya has distinguished itself as one of the region’s most formidable live acts. The band has performed hundreds of concerts across Nepal, India, Australia, Europe, Japan, and North America, frequently drawing crowds in the tens of thousands. In Nepal, their open-air shows have repeatedly ranked among the largest ticketed live music events staged by a homegrown band, noted for disciplined sound, minimal spectacle, and a strong sense of collective participation.

According to Bikesh Kayastha, Founder of PVE Network, the decision to bring Nepathya to Siliguri was driven by a belief that audiences in this part of the country have long been underserved when it comes to landmark live performances.

“The idea of bringing Nepathya to Siliguri came from a simple conviction – that people in and around this region deserve to experience a band of this stature live,” Mr. Kayastha said. “This is about extending the live concert experience to the eastern side of the country and raising the benchmark for production and presentation, so the audience here receives the same quality of experience seen elsewhere.”

Early indicators suggest that the Siliguri concert’s appeal extends well beyond the city. Fans from parts of Bhutan and Nepal are expected to attend, while within India, a significant volume of early inquiries has come from Mumbai, Bengaluru, New Delhi, and across the Northeast region, reflecting Nepathya’s enduring resonance among urban and diasporic audiences alike.

Following the announcement, Early Bird tickets were released online and have seen rapid uptake, with only a limited number now remaining. Tickets are available via the District by Zomato App and Web.

In an era when live music is increasingly driven by scale and speed, Nepathya’s first appearance in Siliguri stands apart – arriving deliberately, and carrying with it the weight of geography, memory, and shared cultural history.

Event Details:
Event: Nepathya Live in Siliguri
Date: 28 February 2026
Venue: Utsodhaara Teesta Township, behind Kawakhali Ground, Siliguri
Presented By: PVE Network | Club Gravity | Mainali International Human Resources
Tickets: Early Bird tickets [limited availability] on District by Zomato App & Web

Note: For the first time, Nepathya bring their voice to Siliguri and we are honoured to be a part of their journey as a Media Partner.

We have not charged any money from the organisers or the band for the promotion, and are promoting the event as a mark of respect for the legendary Nepathya band.

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Pankaj Kumar Singh, a seasoned national security specialist, has been appointed as the Interlocutor for taking forward the Gorkha related talks.

New Delhi, October 16, 2025: In a significant move concerning Gorkha demands in the Darjeeling region, the Government of India has appointed former Deputy National Security Advisor Pankaj Kumar Singh (IPS Retd), as the interlocutor for talks with Gorkha representatives.

The announcement, made late Thursday by the Ministry of Home Affairs, signals New Delhi’s renewed commitment to addressing the aspirations of the people from Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars region.

Singh, a 1988-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Rajasthan cadre and a seasoned national security specialist, brings decades of experience in border security and high-stakes diplomacy to the role. Sources close to the development described Singh’s selection as “strategic,” citing his “unimpeachable track record in handling sensitive national security issues”.

Pankaj Kumar Singh (born December 19, 1962) rose through the ranks to become the 29th Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF) from August 2021 until his retirement on December 31, 2022. Post-retirement, Singh was appointed as Deputy National Security Advisor (DNSA) in the National Security Council Secretariat in January 2023 for a two-year term. His expertise in ethnic conflicts, honed through earlier postings in Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast, positions him ideally for the Gorkha brief.

“Singh’s calm demeanor and negotiation skills have de-escalated crises before; this is a masterstroke,” said a former Home Ministry official, speaking anonymously.

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PepsiCo, Coco-Cola, Kaisha Industries, Natural water Industries, Parle, Vinayaka Industries, Hornbill Industries, ITC, CG Foods, Perfetti Van Melle were revealed as the top 10 polluters of the Indian Himalayan Region for 2025 at the webinar ‘The Himalayan Cleanup Speaks: Insights to Action’ 8 August 2025 – Zero Waste Himalaya Day. The top polluters were identified through The Himalayan Cleanup audits were conducted across 8 mountain states in which 12500 volunteers cleaned 148 sites and audited 217854 plastic waste collected.

Zero Waste Himalaya and Integrated Mountain Initiative have been anchoring The Himalayan Cleanup since 2018, with a waste and brand audit to name the companies that pollute the Himalaya, and call them out to take responsibility for their plastic waste including designing out of the system. The call is also for the extended producer responsibility rule implementation with targeted focus for the Himalaya that recognises the importance and fragility of the landscape. 

The webinar’s context setting highlighted that existing policies and practices are not sensitive and sufficient to respond to the Himalayan waste crisis, and that there was a need to acknowledge the socio-ecological importance, fragility and challenges of the Himalaya. The need to shift the solution narrative beyond the broom, bin, landfill, burn and roll it downhill and to towards systemic solutions was stressed.The presentation on findings of THC 2025 by Ms. Priya Shrestha, member of Zero Waste Himalaya, highlighted that 217854 plastic waste collected was 93% of the total waste collected. 47% of the plastic waste collected was non-recyclable, thus challenging recycling as a complete solution. There has been a dramatic reduction in the   non-recyclable plastic collected in THC2025 compared to the past 6 years that needs a deeper trends analysis.  53% of plastic waste collected was recyclable and shows that the mountains are struggling with collecting and linking recyclable plastics for processing. 

Food packaging was consistently the highest trashed item at 93% of all plastics that shows the continued trend in the consumption of junk ultraprocessed food and the contribution of Big Food to the Himalayan waste crisis. 52% of food packaging audited was non-recyclable which highlights the limitations of recycling as a solution. 47.5 % of the food packaging was beverage bottles and 11% of it was the energy drink Sting, which had very high consumption among students, though it was not labelled as not recommended for children, pregnant women and lactating mothers. While Sting still topped the list, THC2025 showed an increase in the number of energy drinks . The food and waste intersect was highlighted as very concerning for mountain communities, as there is clear evidence showing that junk ultraprocessed food and beverage to be the leading cause of non-communicable diseases and contributing to mental ill health.

Along with the top 10 polluters, Nimoj Industries, Parshuram Packaged Drinking Water, Nestle, Fresho Beverages, Linggi Lehmo Beverages, Haldirams, Pran, Dabur, Mondelez, Reliance were found in the top 20 companies polluting the Indian Himalayan Region from the Himalayan Cleanup 2025. While the top global and national brands have continued their presence as top polluters, THC2025 showed a big jump of local brands and bottled water brands that calls on targeted localised actions to reduce their plastic pollution. RK Paul Chawang, Amyaa – Arunachal Pradesh; Shirshendu S Das, Midway Journey – Assam; Kamlesh Rai, Biruwa – Darjeeling/Kalimpong; Abdul Rashid Bhatt, Kashmir University – Jammu & Kashmir; Preeti Chauhan, Little Green World -Leh Ladakh; Yoyung Shaiza, Enfogal – Manipur; Subhashish Dasgupta, MIMDI – Meghalaya; Mery Chakma, Mizoram Waste Solutions – Mizoram; Niksungla, Living for Environment – Nagaland; Tshering Uden Bhutia, KCC, Sikkim shared their key insights across the Indian Himalayan Region anchoring the THC2025 in their respective states and regions. While there is a need to look at the Himalaya with focussed urgency, contextual nuances across the IHR including local plastic brands and plastic used in religious spaces have to be factored in too in response to the waste crisis. These reflections also committed to taking THC insights as well as the Zero Waste Himalaya movement further into their states and regions through engagement with educational institutions, communities and Swachh Bharat Missions. 

Representatives of GAIA Ambily Adithyan and Break Free from Plastic Miko Alino responded to THC results and insights bringing in National, South Asia and Global perspectives. Miko stressed the need to go beyond the visual narrative of waste as well as end of life management issues and explore multiple pathways including legal and human rights to redress plastic pollution. Curb on production and systemic changes that also ensures a just transition was shared and put into perspective with global negotiations that are underway to end plastic pollution. Ambily shared her continued surprise about the amount of recyclables collected that shows challenges in mountain waste management systems which is not experienced in the big cities. She shared about the inclusion of mountains in the draft EPR policy that was submitted. The need for expanding allies in the health, wellbeing and front of packaging labelling was also expressed. 

Jigme Bhutia, MD SBM (Sikilkim) mentioned that THC had been instrumental in informing local waste management strategies and hoped that the demand of EPR would lead to meaningful outcomes.

Mr Ramesh Negi, President IMI in his closing remarks reiterated the Himalayan agenda and called out the need for mountain sensitive policies and allocation of adequate resources. He called out a development paradigm for the Himalaya that is not extractive and polluting and congratulated the organisers and volunteers of THC for their stewardship.

Mr RP Gurung, founding member of Zero Waste Himalaya and Integrated Mountain Initiative thanked all the participants and speakers for THC2025. He called out the launch of the Plastic Freedom Challenge 2025 where individuals go without plastic for a week coming out of THC as well as calling out Independence Day Celebrations to be plastic free.

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Recruitment of Gorkha Sepoys is being done by Odisha Police – here are the details and forms

Applications are invited from the willing Gorkha male candidates for filling up of 135 vacancies in Odisha Special Armed Police 2nd Battalion, Jharsuguda, Odisha in the rank of Gurkha Sepoy.

The applications should reach:

The office of the Commandant,
OSAP 2nd Bn., Jharsuguda,
Odisha, India,
PIN No. 768204

Deadline: 10.09.2025 in the prescribed form with 3 (three) recent passport size photograph, along with all other connected documents mentioned in para-11.

Applications received after 10.09.2025 and also incomplete application shall not be entertained.

The recruitment test will be held at OSAP 2nd Bn. Jharsuguda parade ground from 17.09.2025 onwards.

The candidates should report at the Parade Ground of OSAP 2nd Bn. Jharsuguda by 07.00 A.M. on 15.09.2025.

MANDATORY ELIGIBILITY:
A Candidate must be a bonafide Gorkha and an inhabitant of India or Nepal.

The Gorkha Candidate residing in India must have a Residential certificate issued by D.M./A.D.M./BDO and Certificate of a bonafide Indian Gurkha from a recognized Organisation.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION:
A candidate must have passed Class-VII pass or equivalent examination from any recognized institution. However, the candidates who have passed H.S.C. or equivalent examination will be given preference.

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Addressing the gathering, the Dalai Lama emphasized the enduring importance of compassion, cultivating a good heart, and practicing non-attachment. He also shared a dream he had, in which Lord Buddha expressed appreciation for his ongoing efforts in preserving the Dharma and sharing its positive message across the world.

Alumni and devotees had traveled from across the globe, including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Nepal, Bhutan, North America, Europe, and other parts of Asia, to participate in this sacred and spiritually significant event. Tenshug, regarded as one of the highest offerings disciples can make, is a devoted plea for the long life and continued guidance of a revered spiritual teacher.

The ceremony was filled with traditional Tibetan songs, dances, and prayers for the Long Life of the Dalai Lama. The vibrant cultural performances reflected the alumni’s commitment to preserving Tibetan identity and honoring the teachings of His Holiness.

“I cannot begin to describe the joy we felt when His Holiness graced the occasion with his benevolent presence,” said Acha Passang-la, a CST Darjeeling graduate and one of the lead organizers. “For CST Darjeeling students from all over the world to reunite for this sacred offering was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

As followers of Tibetan Buddhism around the world continue to draw strength and inspiration from the Dalai Lama, the “Tenshug ceremony” serves as an expression of gratitude, devotion, and deep spiritual connection shared by generations of his disciples.

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Tenshug refers to a ceremonial and devotional request made to a great spiritual teacher to live long and continue turning the Wheel of Dharma for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Former CST Central School for Tibetans (CST), Darjeeling, have gathered in large numbers from across the globe in McLeodganj, Dharamshala, to offer “Tenshug – a long life prayer ceremony” to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

The event, which is scheduled to be held at the Tsuglagkhang Temple Complex on the 4th of June, 2025, is a deeply spiritual and emotional occasion for the alumni, many of whom have travelled from Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Sikkim, Arunachal, Nepal, Bhutan and as far as North America, Europe, and other parts of Asia. The offering of “Tenshug” represents a heartfelt plea for the continued health, long life, and spiritual guidance of His Holiness.

Tenshug (བརྟན་བཞུགས་), literally meaning “to remain steadfast,” is a traditional Tibetan Buddhist ceremony wherein disciples and followers express their devotion and request great spiritual teachers to remain in this world for the benefit of all sentient beings. The ritual typically includes symbolic offerings, long-life prayers, recitations, and the presentation of mandalas and representations of enlightened body, speech, and mind.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us to express our deep gratitude to His Holiness,” said Tsultrim Dorjee, a 1997 graduate of CST Darjeeling and one of the key organizers. “Our generation owes much of our education, identity, and resilience to the guidance of His Holiness, and today we come together to offer our collective prayer for his long life.”

The event also highlighted the continued bond among CST Darjeeling alumni and their commitment to the values taught by His Holiness – compassion, education, and the preservation of Tibetan culture and identity.

The long life prayer offering comes at a significant time, as followers of Tibetan Buddhism across the world continue to draw strength and guidance from His Holiness, who remains an enduring symbol of peace, non-violence, and spiritual wisdom.

Here is the full video after meeting His Holiness

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Lt. Shashank Tiwari, a 23-year-old officer was commissioned less than six months ago.

In an extraordinary display of courage, leadership, and comradeship, Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari of SIKKIM SCOUTS of Indian Army made the ultimate sacrifice while saving a fellow soldier during an operational task in North Sikkim on 22 May 2025.

The 23-year-old officer, commissioned less than six months ago on 14 December 2024, was leading a Route Opening Patrol towards a Tactical Operating Base (TOB) in Sikkim – a key post being prepared for future deployment. Around 11:00 AM, Agniveer Stephan Subba – a member of the patrol – lost footing while crossing a log bridge and was swept away by the powerful mountain stream.

Demonstrating remarkable presence of mind, selfless leadership, and unwavering commitment to his team, Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari instinctively leapt into the treacherous waters to save the Agniveer, without a moment’s hesitation. Another soldier Naik Pukar Katel also followed immediately in support. Together, they managed to rescue the drowning Stephan Subba. However, Lieutenant Tiwari was tragically swept away by the forceful current. Despite desperate efforts by his patrol, his body was recovered 800 metres downstream by 11:30 AM.

Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari’s heroic action is a shining example of the Indian Army’s core values- selfless service, integrity, leadership by example, and the unbreakable bond between officers and men, which transcends rank and is nurtured in both war and peace.

At just 23 years of age, Lt. Shashank Tiwari embodied the finest traditions of the Indian Army – placing the life of a comrade above his own, leading from the front, and upholding the highest standards of military ethics and valour. The officer is survived by his parents and a sister.

“The Indian Army mourns the loss of a braveheart and a leader, who despite his tender age and brief service, leaves behind a legacy of courage and camaraderie that will inspire generations of soldiers to come”, release from the Eastern Command has said

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Kalimpong Ultra Marathon is one of the most challenging yet scenic races in India. This year 450 participants came from all over India for this epic run.

On April 26, 2025, the Run with Roshni Foundation organized the third edition of the Kalimpong Ultramarathon. The event featured five race categories: 90 km, 65 km, 42 km, 21 km, and 12 km.

The 90 km, 65 km, and 42 km races were flagged off at 5:00 a.m. by the Chief Guest, Colonel Ritchie Ashwin S, Commanding Officer of the 18 Madras (Mysore) regiment. Prior to the start, a two-minute silence was observed in memory of the 26 lives lost in the Pahalgam terrorist attack, followed by the national anthem.

The 12 km and 21 km races were flagged off at 7:30 a.m. by Mr. Chewang Tamang, BDO of Pedong Block, and Mr. Laxuman Pokhrel, Officer-in-Charge of Pedong Police Station.

All races started and finished at St. George’s School Ground, Pedong Bazar. The turning points for each race were: Chummirchen for 12 km, Rikisum for 21 km, Lava for 42 km, Kuwapani for 65 km, and Phaperkheti for 90 km.

A total of 450 participants took part across all categories. Participants came from various parts of India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Jamnagar, Assam, Nagaland, Sikkim, and other regions.

Here’s a list of the winners

Winners of 90km in Female category
1st- Sunita Subba from Darjeeling
1st runner up -Dimple Bist from Delhi and
2nd runner up – Preeti Lala from Maharashtra.

Male winners in 90km
1st Pritam Rai from Sikkim
1st runner up – Bikram Thapa from Darjeeling and
2nd runner up – Rajneesh Kumar from Lucknow.

65km Female winners
1st Leera Rangnegar from Mumbai,
1st Runner up Jasuda Rai from Darjeeling and
2nd Runner up Janaki Venkat from Chennai.

Male Category 65km winners
1st -Runesh Tamang from Pala Kalimpong ,
1st runner up- Pempa Tshering Sherpa from Jalpaiguri and
2nd runner up- Subash Faujdar from Defence.

42km Female winners
1st Meena Kumari Subba from Sikkim
1st Runner up- Meenakshi Singh from Mumbai and
2nd Runner up – Jhilum Sarkaar from Kolkata.

Winners of 42km male categories
1st Prabal Chettri from Sangse, Kalimpong.
1st Runner up Milan Bhutia from Algarah and
2nd Runner up Karma Chewang Bhutia from Sikkim.

Winners of 21km Female Category
1st Khusbu Chettri, Algarah Higher Secondray School, Kalimpong.
1st Runner up Pratima Chettri from Algarah HS School, Kalimpong
2nd Runner up Karma Lakpaom Bhutia from Sikkim.

Winners of 21km male Category
1st Madan Bhandari from Kalimpong,
1st Runner up – Kinley Bhutia from Kalimpong and
2nd Runner up – Shivakumar from Defencet.

12km winners female Category
1st Nikhel Darjee from Grace English School, Pedong.
1st Runner up – Kritagya Mukhia from St. Xavier’s School, Pedong and
2nd Runner up – Sarita Tamang from Kalimpong.

Winners of 12km male Category
1st Ajay Bhujel, Kalimpong
1st Navin Bhujel, Kalimpong
2nd Rupan Bhujel, Kalimpong

The top three local male and female finishers (ages 17–25) from the 21 km race, along with the winner of the 12 km race (ages 14–16), have been selected to join the Run with Roshni Foundation team. They will be sponsored to participate in the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026.

The prizes were sponsored by Bharat Rasayan Limited.

The Kalimpong Ultramarathon was attended by several notable guests, including Mr. Bharat Chettri (former captain of the Indian Hockey team), Mr. Kamal Subba (Sabhasad of Pedong), Mrs. Pushpa Subba (Chairperson, Panchayat Samiti), Mr. Zigten Bhutia, Rev. Sister Ragani Mondal (Principal, St. Xavier’s School, Pedong), Mr. Padam Bahadur Gurung, Mr. Nardhoj Rai, Mr. N.T. Lama, Mr. Prakash Chettri, Mr. Rupen Rai, Mr. Urgen Bhutia, and Mrs. Madhuri Mintri.

Mr. Satish Gujaran, the only Indian to have completed the Comrades Marathon (89 km) in South Africa, is the Race Ambassador for the Kalimpong Ultramarathon. He was honored with the Mount Everest Honour Award of INR 8,848.86—symbolizing the height of Mount Everest. The award was presented by Bikram Pande Kaaji (Concept Creator of the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon) through Miss Roshni Rai, Goodwill Ambassador of the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon for India.

The day after the marathon, several participants joined the Kalimpong Heritage Tour, which was specially organized for them. The event aims to promote Kalimpong as a tourist destination and support local homestays, especially in the Pedong area. All the Ultramarathon runners coming from different parts of India absolutely loved the Kalimpong Ultramarathon route.

Run with Roshni Foundation has been working since 2012 to promote local running talents. Many of its athletes have gone on to win marathons across India.

Corresponding with TheDC, Roshni Rai said, “I am most grateful to all the participants who came from far and wide. Kalimpong Ultra Marathon is one of the most challenging, yet picturesque run. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those who volunteered for this good cause. The on-ground logistical support was provided by the 18 Madras (Mysore) regiment stationed at Dalapchand. Volunteers from Pedong Degree College and St. George’s School assisted with event coordination.

Additional support along the race routes came from Nava Jyoti Club, Chummirchen youth groups, Lava Sports Club, the Lava Self Help Group, and local residents from Kuwapani and Phaperkheti. I am grateful to all of them”.

Year-on-year, Kalimpong Ultra-Marathon is reaching greater heights and we thank and congratulate all the race organisers, participants and volunteers.

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The ceremony was graced by two distinguished guests: Apoorv Om, an award-winning hearing and speech-impaired artist and activist, and Rita Mathur, affectionately known as the “Trekker Granny.” Their presence added an inspiring dimension to the occasion, underscoring the message that adventure knows no limits of ability or age.

Apoorv Om, a National Youth Awardee and Fit India Ambassador was celebrated for his remarkable achievement of completing a two-week specialized adventure and survival skills course at HMI. Despite his impairments, Apoorv demonstrated extraordinary determination, participating in activities such as rock climbing and other team-building exercises.

In his address, delivered through a sign language interpreter, Apoorv expressed profound gratitude to HMI Principal Group Captain Jai Kishan and the dedicated instructors for their innovative approach and unwavering support.

The event also honored the achievements of Rita Mathur who was the chief guest of the event, a 69-year-old trekking enthusiast whose exploits include scaling Mount Kilimanjaro, completing the Annapurna Circuit, and trekking to Everest Base Camp. As the Chief Guest, Rita shared her journey of defying age stereotypes and emphasized the importance of fitness and environmental stewardship in adventure.

Group Captain Jai Kishan, Principal of HMI, presented the graduation badges to the BIPARD participants, marking their successful completion of the rigorous course. He also handed over tokens of appreciation to Apoorv Om and Rita Mathur, recognizing their exceptional contributions to promoting inclusivity and adventure sports.

In his address, the Principal praised the graduates for their perseverance and urged them to carry forward the lessons of resilience and teamwork into their future endeavors.

The BIPARD graduation ceremony was not just a celebration of technical mountaineering skills but also a platform to spotlight the power of inclusion and determination. The event concluded with the message, “May you climb from peak to peak,” symbolizing the limitless opportunities that await those with the courage to explore.

The inspiring stories of Apoorv Om and Rita Mathur left an indelible mark on attendees, reminding all that the human spirit is capable of extraordinary achievements when supported by vision, dedication, and an inclusive environment.

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