In the International Year of Forests 2011, this is about an initiative of a School towards CONservation of Natural Environment through Culture and Tradition (abbreviated as CONNECT) programme as conceptualized by the School under its Environment Programme called WE (Working for Environment). The work is dedicated to the cause of WORLD PEACE in observance to HIROSHIMA PEACE MEMORIAL DAY! This exercise is a follow-up of an earlier project of the School called CLEAN UP GUYS (Cycling Long-lived Eco-unfriendly Accumulated Non-biodegradables through United Participation for a Greener Unpolluted Youthful Sikkim) that was carried out in 2009 in observance to International Polar Year.

1. A Real Conservation Story Presented by Sanjoy Acharyya Govt. Sec. School, Yuksam West Sikkim – 737 113

2. Hello all! I am so old that I can't even recall when I was born. People around here say that the 1st Chogyal of Sikkim Phuntshog Namgyal erected me. Possible - his palace was atop the hillock at the base of which I stand. Welcome to TASHITENKA!

3. On your left you see my twin brother - a little smaller in girth! If you go up across him in the hillock, you shall see the ruins of the palace of the 1st Chogyal!!

4. Though sacred and ancient, we were in utter neglect. At our immediate behind, someone built a garbage incinerator. It eventually became a public garbage disposal site. Unfortunately, however, everybody dumped but no one (except the SK of the School on occasions) cared to incinerate the garbage. Moreover, accumulation of bottles and cans made the incinerator unmanageable. To make things even worse, the open site became a somewhat public toilet site. Amidst dirty soil and pungent air, we were as if in hell. Thanks to the children who used to cleanse the area time-to-time.

5. It was then in 2010, the School decided to seek a permanent solution to the issue by developing a park at the site. Concept Note prepared and submitted to UD & HD (GOS) and Tourism Department (GOS) - but to no avail. Then the School decided to take up the project at it's own under the School Surrounding Beautification Programme. Thank You, Yuksam School!

6. In December 2010, the incinerator was dismantled and in February 2011, the green soldiers of the Yuksam School first made a protective fence to prevent unauthorized entry of people and restrict the dumping of garbage around me.

7. The kids beautified the area and planted saplings - as if to give the site a new look.

8. Md. Mansoor Alam – the GREEN PREFECT of the School – in action!

9. Students planting saplings of flowers!

10. Decorating the site!

11. And the School developed the prototype of a park which was named as the 'TASHITENKA HERITAGE PARK'!

12. And then on 15th of July 2011, Mr. Garap Dorjee Bhutia (PRT) offered Puja requesting the deities to find a temporary abode so that the twin chortens be renovated.

13. The entire School Family offered Puja to appease the deities to find a temporary abode till the renovations are made!

14. Shri Mohan Gurung (Ex-Minister of GOS and SMDC Member) with the Headmaster, Assistant Headmaster and the Mason Worker seeing the puja.

15. Students also offered Puja and performed the Parikrama!

16. Senior-most teacher of the School Shri G. D. Bhutia (Lama) reading the holy scriptures and performing the rituals for the Puja!

17. Assistant HM and HM doing the rounds (Parikrama) around us at the Puja!

18. And then the renovation work started! Students climbed on us to take out the weeds, mosses and lichens growing on us!

19. The Lady Teachers joined too !

20. Our base was underneath the soil! The workers unearthed the soil so that we could be viewed and worshiped in full!

21. Taking away the unearthed soil!

22. The chortens are being renovated in such a manner that the ancient look of the chortens do not get compromised!!

23. The chortens are being renovated in such a manner that the ancient look of the chortens do not get compromised!!

24. Giving the finishing touch!

25. It's almost ready for a lime-coat!

26. The Teacher himself in action - painting my top with yellow! Thank you Mr. Tshering Bhutia!

27. We were overwhelmed with joy - as if taking re-birth!

28. To appease the deities to come back and bless and protect the site -ceremonial flags bearing sacred texts are being hoisted!

29. HM joining hands with Mr. Tshering Bhutia in raising the sacred prayer flags!

30. Tidying up the area after the renovation work is complete! We are ready to receive back the deities!

31. On August 6th 2011, the Duchi Committee of the holy lamas of the Dubdi Monastery upon the invitation of the School preparing for the puja to dedicate us to the deities and the society!

32. In spite of his serious backache - Mr. G. D. Lama could not resist himself from attending and co-coordinating the Puja! Thank you, Sir!

33. Mr. Tshering Bhutia (Head Lama of the School) arranging for the Puja on the HIROSHIMA PEACE MEMORIAL DAY!

34. And the Puja begins!

35. Hon'ble Mr. Thutup Bhutia (Ex-Minister - cum - Chief Guest of the day), Mr. Mohan Gurung (Ex-Minister - cum - SMDC Member of the School) joining the HM to offer prayers!

36. The Headmaster informing the Hon'ble Chief Guest about the journey we had!

37. The Hon'ble Chief Guest dedicating the prayer flag!

38. Let there be PEACE & HARMONY!

39. Dedicating the Prayer Flag!

40. Praying for WORLD PEACE on the occasion of our dedication after renovation on HIROSHIMA PEACE MEMORIAL DAY 2011!

41. & so developed the TASHITENKA HERITAGE PARK as a project of the School Surrounding Beautification Programme!