GANGTOK, May 16 (PTI): Sikkim on Tuesday celebrated its 48th statehood day with much fanfare.
A glittering function was held at Chintan Bhawan in state capital Gangtok to commemorate the day. It was attended by Governor Laxman Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, among others.
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At the programme, Tamang announced that the state would soon start a drive to recruit 1,000 personnel in the police force, and 50 per cent of them will be women.
He handed over eight new ambulances for state-run colleges that would help them address emergencies on campus.
He also handed over two mobile laboratory vehicles to Mangan and Gyalshing districts which would help in reaching medical services to the remote areas of the Himalayan state.
Tamang said Sikkim will complete 50 years in 2025, and it will be celebrated in a grand manner across India.
Governor Acharya launched a multimedia database management system, called ‘e-Sankalan’, developed by the Information and Public Relations Department. It will enable structured storage of all archival materials — text, photos, videos, films, books, making those easily accessible for research purposes.
The governor congratulated the people of the state on completing 48 years as the 22nd state of India.
Sikkim, which has a population of just 5.40 lakh, was a kingdom ruled by a hereditary monarchy for about three centuries from the 17th century. In 1950, it became a protectorate of the Government of India. It finally became a full-fledged state of the Indian Union in 1975.
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers, chief ministers of different states, and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi greeted the state on the occasion.
“Greetings to the people of Sikkim on Statehood Day! Sikkim presents a blend of modernity and unique traditions. The state has pioneered organic farming, enriched biodiversity and created a model for sustainable development.
“I was touched by the warmth of people during my visit to the state last year. My best wishes for the continued progress of Sikkim,” Murmu tweeted.
PM Modi said Sikkim is blessed with exceptional natural beauty and hardworking people.
“Statehood Day wishes to my sisters and brothers of Sikkim. This is a wonderful state, blessed with exceptional natural beauty and hardworking people. The state has attained immense progress in various areas notably organic farming. I pray for the continuous development of Sikkim,” he said.
Programmes to celebrate Sikkim’s statehood day were also held at the Raj Bhavans of various states.
To take national unity to a greater height, Raj Bhavan Assam under the leadership of Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, on Tuesday celebrated the statehood day of Sikkim at Durbar Hall in its premises here. It may be noted that as a part of Central Government’s decision to celebrate the statehood days of different states in the Raj Bhavans across the country, Raj Bhavan Assam celebrated the statehood day of Sikkim.
Former chief secretary and chairperson RERA Tshering Y Das attended the programme as the chief guest. While speaking on the occasion, Das said, “We belong to an ancient civilization and the world has always looked upon us as a source of knowledge, wisdom and spiritual inspiration. Being a citizen of this great nation it is really a matter of pride and privilege. Although physically, we are 28 states and 8 Union Territories and the diversity of the country is mind boggling in terms of biodiversity, topography and demography yet we are all united with a common identity of being a proud Indian.”
Das also said that under the guidance and the futuristic vision of both the Central and the State government Sikkim today boasts of the second highest per capita GDP in the country. Sikkim also is a pioneer in organic farming and a model for sustainable development. The unique cultural traditions, Buddhist destinations, biodiversity, the great Kanchenjunga and the friendly people of the state have made it a great destination.
She further said that Sikkim remained an epitome of peace, harmony and brotherhood between the people belonging to different demographic affiliations. Therefore, statehood day is an appropriate occasion to celebrate the friendship, unity and mutual bonhomie between Sikkim and Assam and other states.
Das in her speech extended her gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister for having taken the decision for celebrating the statehood day of different states of Indian union which has given an opportunity to the people of others states to participate and celebrate the vibrant diversity of India. This has also paved the way for strengthening the federal structure and unity of the country, Smt Das added.
Commissioner and Secretary to the Governor S.S. Meenakshi Sundaram presented the welcome address. Commissioner, Guwahati Municipal Corporation Megh Nidhi Dahal, Former CNN IBN Correspondent and founder of East Mojo, a digital news media platform Karma Samten Palijor, Former Principal Director cum MD, NHM Health and Family Welfare Dept.Govt.of Sikkim Dr.Raj Prabha Moktan spoke on the occasion.
Assistant Resident Commissioner, Sikkim House, Guwhati Jashoda Chetri also read out the message of the Chief Minister of Sikkim.
The programme was also attended by former State Chief Information Commissioner H.S.Das, and members of Sikkimese community.
President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday greeted the people of Sikkim on their statehood day and said the state has pioneered organic farming and enriched biodiversity besides creating a model for sustainable development.
Sikkim became the 22nd state of India on May 16, 1975.
“Greetings to the people of Sikkim on Statehood Day! Sikkim presents a blend of modernity and unique traditions. The state has pioneered organic farming, enriched biodiversity and created a model for sustainable development.
“I was touched by the warmth of people during my visit to the state last year. My best wishes for the continued progress of Sikkim,” Murmu tweeted.
