In a significant step towards empowerment of border area population, the Governor of West Bengal, C. V. Ananda Bose, visited Totopara tribal village located in Alipurdwar district. This visit was conducted by Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) under the “Aamar Gram” initiative of Hon’ble Governor aimed at promoting self-reliance and sustainable development in remote villages.
During the visit, the Governor discussed key issues such as education, healthcare, sustainable livelihood, and infrastructure development in border area.Engaging in dialogue with border population, Governor assured continuous administrative support to minimize their hardship.
During the visit of Dr.Bose was presented with a warm welcome by Sh. Sudhir Kumar I.G. SSB, Sh. Hrishikesh Sharma, DIG, Vijay Singh, Commandant 53 BN SSB Simlabari-Fatakata.
The Governor interacted with key local dignitaries and visited exhibitions highlighting civic action initiatives of SSB. Cultural programs were conducted which featured traditional Toto, Nepali, Bhutanese and Asur dances, along with a mesmerizing performance by the SSB band team.Governor also distributed certificates to the beneficiaries of major training schemes like Mushroom Cultivation, Bee-keeping and Electric Welding Training conducted by Sashastra Seema Bal for the residents of border areas, which aims at promoting their community development.
Aamar Gram Initiative: During this visit, the Governor also toured the Trible village of Totopara, which is part of the ‘Aamar Gram’ program. This initiative aims to foster social and economic development in border and remote villages. Totopara, located in the Madarihat block of Alipurduar district, is home to the primitive Toto Tribal community.
53 Battalion SSB Simlabari-Falakata made extensive preparations for this programme.
SSB’s initiative:
SSB conducts special campaign for the welfare of border area population all along the Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan borders.
The SSB has a great contribution for curbing smuggling of narcotics, arms, counterfeit currency, and wildlife products, and for preventing human trafficking and infiltration by anti-national elements.The vigilance of the SSB in the Siliguri corridor, a crucial area in eastern India, has reassured and instilled confidence in the nation. Their efforts have also created an environment of trust in the eastern region.
Dr.CV Ananda Bose appreciated the work of Sashastra Seema Bal and praised their key role in uplifting the lives of people living in remote areas. This visit of Hon’ble Governor will prove to be an important step towards adding new dimensions to the development of border areas and welfare of the tribal communities.
(With inputs from Rajbhavan media cell)
(Story edited by Pratyusha Mukherjee, an Independent Sr. Broadcast Journalist working for British media with 20 years of experience in covering the east and northeast, with specialisation in Defence and Sports.She is associated with us as Editorial head of Defence , Sports and Current Affairs.In her illustrated career she has covered many major events and achieved International and Indian media awards for Journalism)
