Governor Om Prakash Mathur completes two years in office

GANGTOK, (IPR): An official function was held at Ashirvad Hall, Lok Bhawan, this afternoon to mark the completion of two years in office by Governor Om Prakash Mathur.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Om Prakash Mathur expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of Sikkim. He said the warmth and hospitality extended by the people of the State had surpassed even that of his home region. Reflecting on his journey in public life since 1972, he said he had always believed in remaining close to the people and had consistently visited Gram Panchayat Units (GPUs) to interact directly with villagers.

To mark the completion of two years in office, the Governor announced an initiative to honour district academic toppers. He noted with pride that five of the six toppers were young women, describing it as a reflection of women's empowerment in the State.

Sharing his personal journey, the Governor recalled growing up in a small village and choosing a life of public service. He also lauded Sikkim's pioneering achievement as a fully organic State despite its small landholdings and appreciated its unique environmental initiative of planting 108 trees to celebrate the birth of every child.

He further commended the State's peaceful environment, low crime rate, efficient policing and strong social harmony.

Concluding his address, the Governor thanked the people of Sikkim and reaffirmed his commitment to continue working in close coordination with the Government for the State's overall development.

Sikkim Legislative Assembly Speaker M.N. Sherpa congratulated Governor Om Prakash Mathur on completing two successful years in office. Speaking on behalf of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister and the people of Sikkim, he commended the Governor's visionary leadership, commitment to environmental conservation and support for the border security forces.

He highlighted the Governor's efforts in transforming Lok Bhawan into an accessible, public-centred institution and expressed gratitude for his continued guidance towards peace, cultural preservation, sustainable development and good governance in the State.

Public Health Engineering minister Sonam Lama congratulated the Governor on completing two years in office and appreciated his guidance.

Highlighting Sikkim's natural beauty, peaceful environment and growing national recognition, Mr Sonam Lama said that under the leadership of Governor Om Prakash Mathur and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, the State was progressing steadily towards achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 well ahead of schedule.

Rural Development minister Arun Kumar Upreti congratulated the Governor on completing two years in office. He praised the Governor's humility, dedication to public service and initiatives to develop Lok Bhawan into a centre for social harmony, youth development and cultural promotion while maintaining close coordination with the Chief Minister.

Founder and chairman of International Meditation Foundation, Santa Monica, USA, Mahamandaleshwar Swami AdvaitanandaGiri, delivered a discourse on spirituality and human values.

Speaking on the two paths of sannyas, he said one path was to live in the Himalayas in isolation, while the other was to serve society selflessly. Referring to Governor Om Prakash Mathur as an example, he said serving people was also a path to spiritual fulfilment. He described Sikkim as one of India's happiest States. He also said that as artificial intelligence continues to advance rapidly, it is equally important to uphold human values and holistic development.

Secretary to the Governor, Jitendra Singh Raje, presented an overview of the Governor's achievements over the past two years. The presentation highlighted the adoption of Chungthang village, promotion of border tourism, improvement of Army infrastructure, electrification of border villages, support for local entrepreneurs and sports, initiatives for women's empowerment and education, and visits by national dignitaries that contributed to the State's development.

The event also featured cultural performances by artistes from the Culture department, representing the Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali communities.

A felicitation ceremony was also held, during which Governor Mathur, Sherpa, Deputy Speaker Raj Kumari Thapa and Jitendra Singh Raje presented awards to distinguished individuals.

The honourees included class X district toppers, VVIP security personnel, STDC personnel from Bagdogra and Burtuk Helipad, progressive farmers, staff of Lok Bhawan and sanitation personnel in recognition of their dedicated service and contributions.

The programme was also attended by ministers Raju Basnet, Bhoj Raj Rai, Samdup Lepcha and N.B.Dahal,Gangtok MLA Delay Namgyal Barfungpa, senior governmentofficials, police personnel, zilla adhyakshas, staff of Lok Bhawan, and other dignitaries.