• NET Web Desk

Recently, the Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, Meenakashi Lekhi took stock of various archaeological holdings and cultural sites of Sikkim, during her official visit to the state.

She also made a visit to Nathula, Baba Mandir and Tsomgo Lake during her second-day visit to the State.

The Minister was accorded a warm welcome by the Army officials upon her arrival at Nathula.

She also had a brief interaction with the Army officials.

Thereafter, visited Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple and paid homage to him.

Later, the Minister also visited Tsomgo Lake on her way back to Gangtok.

Lekhi visited the Directorate of Handlooms and Handicrafts.

She took stock of the handicrafts and handlooms, thereby enquiring about their exquisite works.

The Minister also paid a visit to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (NIT) at Deorali.

She toured the museum where the Museum Assistant, Ms Samten Choden, explained the history of the museum’s archaeological holdings.

Meanwhile, she visited the NIT library where Research Officer, Tsultim Gyatso, apprised the Minister about the collection of scriptures in the library.

She also had a brief interaction with the representatives of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and enquired about their works in the state.

The Minister held great admiration for the archaeological treasures on display at NIT.

Later, the MoS paid a visit to the 1000 Litres Per Minute PSA Oxygen Plant at STNM Hospital, Sochyagang.

The Minister also interacted with the officials and enquired about the Oxygen Plant installed at the hospital.

While briefing about the plant, she was updated that 1000 Litres Per Minute PSA Oxygen Plant was inaugurated by the Sikkim CM, Prem Singh Tamang.

The plant was allocated by the Government of India for Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial (STNM) Hospital, Sochyagang under the Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES) and has been adequately supplying medical oxygen to the Hospital.

STNM Hospital also informed about the 500 Litres Per Minute VSA Oxygen Plant, which was installed earlier at STNM Hospital by the Sikkim Government.