Gangtok, Jan 26: The Gangtok Office of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Sunday commemorated sixteen years of its institutional presence in Sikkim with a day-long foundation anniversary programme held at a local hotel in Gangtok.
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| Image Credit: DIO Gangtok |
Former Executive Director of RBI, Mr Eugene Karthak (Retd.), graced the occasion as Chief Guest. The event was attended by several dignitaries including Chairman of SISCO Mr Dup Pintso Kaleon; General Manager and Officer-in-Charge of National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) Mr Ajay Kumar Sinha; Managing Director of State Bank of Sikkim Mr Phurba Wangdi; Managing Director of SISCO Ms Pema Chenzom; along with representatives from the armed forces, banks, students, and RBI officials and staff.
The programme began with a tribute to former Heads of RBI Gangtok, late Dr K Chakraborty and late Mr R V Sangvai, acknowledging their contributions to the institution.
In his keynote address, Mr Karthak appreciated Regional Director Mr Thotngam Jamang and the RBI Gangtok team for organising the event and recalled his association with the office between 2013 and 2018. He highlighted the importance of financial literacy and public awareness, cautioning against rising financial frauds and cyber scams, including so-called “digital arrest” frauds. He emphasised that the role of central banking extends beyond regulation to educating and protecting citizens.
Mr Thotngam Jamang, Regional Director, RBI Gangtok, in his inaugural address, described the 16th foundation anniversary as a significant milestone symbolising continuity, stability and institutional commitment. He credited the growth of the Gangtok office to the collective efforts of past and present officers and staff, and highlighted the importance of coordination with the Government of Sikkim, banks and financial institutions in strengthening banking outreach across the State.
He further noted that RBI Gangtok has actively engaged with educational institutions, universities, security forces and civil society organisations to promote financial literacy, consumer awareness and digital inclusion. Reaffirming RBI’s commitment, he said the institution would continue to work towards financial stability, inclusion and public confidence in Sikkim.
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A documentary titled “Journey So Far” was screened, showcasing the evolution, initiatives and milestones of RBI Gangtok over the past sixteen years.
Special Guest Mr Tashila Ethenpa, Deputy General Manager, Department of Supervision, Central Office, spoke on the importance of a robust supervisory framework in maintaining financial stability, while former General Manager (In-charge) Mr Manabendra Mishra and former Regional Director Mr Kishore Pariyar shared reflections on institutional growth, ethical banking and financial inclusion.
Dr Anil Kumar Yadav, General Manager, RBI Services Board, highlighted the role of human resources in sustaining institutional excellence, stressing integrity, professionalism and continuous learning.
The programme also featured cultural performances and an in-house skit by RBI staff, followed by prize distribution for a quiz competition organised for students and bankers. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr Goda Ravishankar, General Manager, RBI Gangtok.
