Sikkim marks golden jubilee with felicitations and cultural tribute

GANGTOK,  (IPR): As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of Sikkim’s Statehood, a commemorative event was held at Manan Kendra here, dedicated to honouring individuals who have made notable contributions to the State.

The programme was graced by Governor Om Prakash Mathur, alongside Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, and the Chief Justice of Sikkim, Biswanath Somadder.

The State government recognised luminaries from various sectors for their contributions to public service, culture, and community development detailed as under:

1. Padma Shri Danny Denzongpa - Art 2003

2. Padma Shri Gadul Singh Lama - Literature 2005

3. Padma Shri Tarundeep Rai – Olympian, Commonwealth, Asian and World Championship Gold Medallist 2005

4. Padma Shri Sonam Tshering Lepcha – Folk Song and Music (Art) 2007

5. Padma Shri Bhaichung Bhutia -Football 2008

6. Padma Shri Norden Tshering Bhutia – Literature 2009

7. Padma Shri Keepu Tshering Lepcha – Social Work 2009

8. Padma Shri Kedarnath Gurung – Literature 2012

9. Padma ShriHildamit Lepcha – Folk Song and Music (Arts) 2013

10. Padma Shri Birkha Bahadur Muringla (Limboo) – Literature 2017

11.Padma Shri Draupadi Ghimirey – Social Work 2019

12. Padma Shri Khandu Wangchuk Bhutia – Thangka Painting (Art) 2022

13. Padma Shri Tularam Upreti – Agriculture 2023

14. Padma Shri Jorden Lepcha – Handicraft (Art) 2024

15. Padma Shri Naren Gurung – Folk Song and Music (Art) 2025

16. Freedom Fighter Late Trilochan Pokhrel (also known as Bande Pokhrel)

17. Freedom Fighter Late Helen Lepcha

18.Dronacharya Awardee Boxing 2021 Sandhya Gurung

Thereafter, the Tourism department launched the “Sikkim Darshan” website and mobile application, along with an online payment system for tourism-related establishments.

The Information & Public Relations department presented a documentary film on 50 years of Sikkim’s Statehood titled "Echoes of Sikkim", showcasing Sikkim’s journey since its integration into the Indian Union in 1975.

The broadway titled "Ekai Maato Anek Rang", produced by the Culture department and directed by chief engineer-cum-Nodal Officer of Kuzu Cultural Festival 2025 Rimp Dorjee Lepcha and Culture officer Tshering Leizum Bhutia was showcased.

The show highlighted Sikkim’s cultural journey. Performed by singers, musicians, and dancers of the Culture Department, the Broadway depicted the rich heritage and cultural integration of Sikkim. The storyline also aimed to highlight various State welfare schemes such as Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana, Aama Sahyog Yojana, Mero Rukh Mero Santati, Vatsalya Yojana, among others.

The event also had the presence of  Krishna Kumari Rai, Speaker and Deputy Speaker Sikkim Legislative Assembly, cabinet ministers, Member of Parliament Lok Sabha, MLAs, advisors, chairpersons, Mayor and Deputy Mayor of GMC, zillapanchayats, councillors, panchayats, chief administrator-cum-cabinet secretary, chief secretary, DGP, ACS, principal secretaries, heads of departments, secretaries, District Collector Gangtok, officers and officials of departments, dignitaries, and representatives of all ethnic community associations of Sikkim.

The event concluded with the National Anthem.