By Matters India Reporter
Siliguri, March 8, 2022: Salesian College Siliguri on March 8 celebrated International Women’s Day honoring one of the women centenarians of Siliguri, and holding annual Sangam ethnic day.
Inaugurating ethnic day, Principal Salesian Father George Thadathil complimented students and faculty for choosing a relevant theme “India as Union of States.”
Women’s Day this year organized by Women’s Cell had the theme: Gender Equality Today, for a Sustainable Tomorrow.
The day-long events started off with felicitation of centenarian Srimati Indira Maya Chhetri who walked steadily some 150 meters from the car to the venue to be received by the principal and vice principals. She was accompanied by her granddaughter Assistant Professor Manisha Pradhan, head of the department of History at Salesian College.
Born in Nepal, Chhetri came to Darjeeling as a child bride and had five children, three daughters and two sons.
“A disciplined and active life is the secret of her longevity,” says Pradhan.
Besides the traditional offering of khada (scarf) and bouquet, Principal Father Thadathil read out and presented a Samman Patra (citation) in Nepali language.
The day started off with three-hour Firewood Cooking, Face Painting, and Rangoli by eight club groups leading up to post lunch sessions including, folk songs, folk dance and fashion show.
The eight clubs showcased cuisine, costumes, culture, song and dance of the following eight states: Assam, Bengal, Gujarat, Kashmir, Kerala, Maharashtra, Nagaland and Punjab representing each of the eight clubs.