Grand celebrations of Sikkim’s 50thStatehood Day

GANGTOK,  (IPR): The State level 50th Anniversary of Statehood was celebrated in great fervour in the presence of Governor Om Prakash Mathur and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay here at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok today.

This year Sikkim celebrates its fifty years as a part of India with various cultural events such as heritage walk, traditional stalls and cultural songs/dances to pay tribute to the indigenous culture of the State. The series of events culminated here at Paljor Stadium in a State level ceremony to celebrate the occasion.

Governor Om Prakash Mathur, in his address, extended warm greetings to the State on completing the 50 years of Statehood wherein the State has come a long way in terms of development and cultural integration.

The Governor mentioned few individuals from Sikkim like Ganju Lama, Danny Denzongpa and Bhaichung Bhutia for their contribution of taking the State to international fame through their hardwork.

The Governor thanked the Prime Minister for focusing in the development of the North East region which has led to widespread development of the State. On this context, the Governor also thanked the Chief Minister of the State for implementing Central schemes which has led to development of the State particularly in the rural sector of the society.

The Governor expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed towards the development of the State and hoped that the efforts will continue in the near future.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay extended his warm greetings towards Sikkimese people on the completion of 50 years as a State in India.

The Chief Minister briefed about the history of Sikkim's admission in India as the 22nd State of India. Further, he stated that Sikkim has seen great development under the Indian Union throughout the five decades. Furthermore, the Chief Minister paid tribute to the first Chief Minister LD Kazi for his valuable efforts in establishing democracy in Sikkim.

Speaking on education, the Chief Minister highlighted various schemes which have elevated students belonging to marginalised parts of the society. On this context, he mentioned the Khangchendzonga State University in Temi Tarku, Neta Subash Chandra Bose Centre of Excellence, Model School at Assam Lingzey and the upcoming National Institute of Technology as initiatives taken by his administration for the betterment of education in the State.

Touching on the subject of women empowerment, the Chief Minister named schemes such as Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana, Vatsalaya and Bahini scheme to uplift girls and women from all walks of life with dignity.

The Chief Minister stressed on the importance of tourism sector which brings valuable revenue to the economy and gives employment to local youths leading to 'Sunaulo Samrid dhaani Samarth Sikkim.' He also stated the immense potential the State has in attracting tourists which will benefit the population of the state by bringing large amount of revenues.

The Chief Minister highlighted improvement in health and environment sectors through Chief Minister Medical Assistance Scheme to help marginalized people for revenue assistance and environmental-friendly initiative of 'Mero Rukh, Mero Santati' which helps to keep clean breathing surrounding.

The Chief Minister in his concluding remarks paid his tribute to Indian Army for their selfless effort to defend and protect the motherland highlighting their recent success in neutralising terrorism.

Earlier, the chief secretary delivered the welcome address and announced several key launches including the Sikkim Today magazine on ‘Festivals of Sikkim’, Augmented Reality Quiz Game 'Sikkim Odyssey', Instagram and Facebook Kuzu Challenge, Time Capsule messages, Integrated Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Strategy, and a book on Sikkim’s folk tales.

Various dairy products and flavoured ice creams by Sikkim Milk Union were announced during the programme.

The celebration included culmination of 'Run for Unity' wherein the baton was handed to the Governor and Chief Minister. The contingent was led by veteran runner Shanti Ram Nepal.

The programme included release of 1st Assessment Report on Snow Leopard population in Sikkim by Forest and Environment Department Government of Sikkim in collaboration with WWF India and release of book 'Rajya Sthapna ko Ardhasatabdi Vyavastha: Parivartan and Pun Sthapna Ka Prasangaharu' by Anita Gurung.

The programme featured disbursement of grant-in-aid to various associations and sportspersons and they are as follows:

1. Disbursement of grant-in-aid to three sports associations: Sikkim Olympic Association, Sikkim Athletic Association, and Sikkim Football Association.

2. Disbursement of incentives to three meritorious sports persons: Sanjay Subba - Taekwondo, Sonam Norzum Bhutia-Strength lifting/Benchpress, and Rahul Sharma- Kickboxing.

The celebrations also included Pipe and Brass Band display by Sikkim Police Brass Brand and the Pipe Band.

The celebration registered a world record when a grand cultural programme featuring diversity of communities of Sikkim wherein 1100 dancers participated in Chutkey dance at one time.

The day saw the presence of  Chief Justice of Sikkim BiswanathSomadder, Speaker Sikkim Legislative Assembly MingmaNorbu Sherpa, Deputy Speaker Raj KumariThapa, cabinet ministers, MLAs, advisors, chairperson, secretaries, zillapanchayats, adhyakshas, up-adhyakshas, Mayor GMC, Deputy Mayor GMC, senior officers, officers and the general public.