Smita Lama of Sichey in Gangtok was awarded the prestigious Gold Medal during the 7th Convocation of Sikkim University held at Manan Kendra in Gangtok, bringing pride to the state’s academic community.Lama received the honour after emerging as the topper in M.Pharm examinations of Sikkim University for the year 2024. The award recognised her outstanding academic performance and contribution to the field of Pharmaceutical Sciences.The convocation ceremony was attended by President of India Droupadi Murmu, Governor of Sikkim Om Prakash Mathur and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, along with several senior dignitaries from the state and central governments.
Smita Lama completed her schooling from Paljor Namgyal Girls Senior Secondary School in Gangtok. She later pursued her Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) from Sajong Government Pharmacy College, Rumtek, before completing her Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm in Pharmaceutics) from Himalayan Pharmacy Institute at Majhitar in Pakyong district. Her academic journey was shaped by the support and encouragement of her mother, Radha Tamang, who raised her as a single parent. Family members and well-wishers said her mother’s dedication and constant guidance played an important role in helping Smita achieve success in academics.At present, Smita Lama is working as an Assistant Professor at Sikkim Professional University in Tadong, Gangtok, where she is involved in teaching and guiding students in the field of pharmacy education.
Speaking about the achievement, people close to the family described the award as a proud moment not only for the family but also for the wider academic community in Sikkim. Her success has been widely appreciated by teachers, students and local residents, who said her achievement would inspire many young students in the state to pursue higher education and academic excellence. The recognition at the university convocation has added another milestone to Smita Lama’s academic career and highlighted the growing contribution of students from Sikkim in the field of higher education and pharmaceutical sciences.