The Sikkim Livestock Development Board (SLDB) turned National Milk Day into a day of learning, celebration, and community engagement at Marchak Chuten Government Primary School in Gangtok District. The event, organised under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), brought together students, teachers, health workers, and local residents to highlight the importance of dairy in daily life.
The programme was led by SLDB Chief Executive Officer Dr. Pratik Sharma, accompanied by Board officials and staff. The gathering was also attended by Headmaster Phu Tshering Bhutia, teachers, students, and health personnel from Marchak PHSC.
In his address, Dr. Sharma explained the significance of National Milk Day, emphasising the nutritional value of milk and the need to preserve Sikkim’s indigenous Siri cattle breed. He linked the day’s celebration to the State Government’s vision of “Sunaulo, Samriddha ani Samarth Sikkim”, noting that the event carried special significance as Sikkim marks 50 years of statehood.
The celebration included a painting competition for students on the themes “From Cow to Cup” and “Healthy Kids”, followed by a series of outdoor games that enlivened the school grounds. Health staff conducted an awareness session on balanced nutrition and demonstrated proper handwashing techniques.
To promote healthy habits, each student was served a glass of warm milk, and SLDB distributed locally produced dairy items including cheese, butter, and paneer. The event concluded with students and teachers taking a pledge to protect the indigenous Siri cow and encourage the use of local dairy products.