Gangtok

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) launched a five-day orientation programme on Sikkim's language, culture and traditions for its personnel deployed in the Himalayan state.

The programme was inaugurated at the 13th Battalion ITBP headquarters on Monday. The inaugural session was attended by Deputy Inspector General Sanjeev Kumar Singh of the ITBP Sector Headquarters, Gangtok.

According to an official statement, 40 personnel from the 11th, 13th, 48th and 63rd Battalions are taking part in the training programme, which is being conducted by experts from the Sikkim government's Department of Culture.

The initiative is aimed at familiarising ITBP personnel with the state's cultural heritage, local languages, customs, traditional cuisine and attire, helping them build stronger connections with local communities while carrying out their duties, the statement said.

READ MORE: Dr Adeela Abdulla IAS: The officer behind systems that touch everyday lives

The course will provide participants with insights into the history, linguistic diversity and way of life of Sikkim's three principal communities -- Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali, it said.

Commandant of the 13th Battalion Sunil Kandpal and other senior ITBP officers were also present at the inauguration ceremony, it added.