The Department
of Lepcha, Sikkim Government College, Namchi, organised a documentary screening
titled "Finding Pushen", produced by Ren Dawa Lepcha Films
in collaboration with Purvim Production.
The
documentary highlights the traditional Pushen food-making system of the
Lepcha community — an important cultural practice that is now on the verge of
extinction in the Sikkim Himalayas. The film showcased the process,
beliefs, and cultural significance associated with Pushen, creating awareness
about the need to preserve this valuable indigenous heritage.
The programme
was attended by the Head of the Department, teaching faculty members, and
students of the 2nd, 4th, and 6th Semesters. The participants actively engaged
in the screening and gained valuable knowledge about this endangered
traditional food-making practice.
Following the
screening, the present students shared their views and reflections on the
documentary, expressing their thoughts on the importance of preserving the
Pushen tradition and the Lepcha cultural heritage.
The
documentary served as an educational platform to encourage students to
understand, document, and pass on information about Lepcha cultural traditions
to future generations, thereby contributing to the preservation of their rich
cultural heritage.