Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Siliguri on December 20 to attend the 61st Raising Day celebrations of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). The event will be held at the SSB’s Siliguri Frontier headquarters in Ranidanga, which manages key stretches of the Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan borders.
Sudhir Kumar, Inspector General (IG) of the Siliguri Frontier, shared details during a press briefing. “The Raising Day is a significant occasion for us, celebrating the dedication and achievements of the SSB,” he said. Kumar added that the event will feature a grand parade, cultural performances, and demonstrations showcasing the SSB’s operational capabilities.
The main program on December 20 will include six SSB contingents participating in a parade, along with martial arts displays, physical exercises, and a demonstration of the traditional Indian acrobatic art of Mallakhamb. Cultural troupes from Sikkim and North Bengal will perform traditional dances, while members of the Toto tribal community from Alipurduar will showcase their unique heritage, reflecting the region’s diverse culture.
A stage rehearsal is scheduled for December 18 to prepare for the main event. The celebrations aim to highlight the SSB’s pivotal role in guarding the 315-kilometre Indo-Nepal and 215-kilometre Indo-Bhutan borders, as well as its contributions to national security and cross-border harmony.
Home Minister Shah’s participation underscores the significance of the occasion. “This is a proud moment for the SSB to reflect on its journey and achievements while showcasing its diversity and commitment,” IG Kumar noted.
