Monday, Dec 15, 2025 12:30 [IST]
Last Update: Monday, Dec 15, 2025 06:59 [IST]
GANGTOK, (IPR): Governor Om Prakash Mathur along with the Chief Justice of the High Court of Sikkim, Justice Biswanath Somadder, flagged in the super car rally, titled “Sikkim – The Silk Route Drive,” during the forenoon today at Chaman Top helipad, located at an altitude of 14,300 feet.
The programme also had the presence of Black Cat Division GOC Major General M.S. Rathore, 311 GR CO Brigadier Amit Kumar, Colonel Rajan Kumar, Gangtok DC Tushar Nikhare and Gangtok SP Mahendra Subba.
Governor Om Prakash Mathur appreciated the super car rally team for promoting Ran Bhoomi tourism and acknowledged the efforts of Army personnel for initiating and supporting the event. He highlighted the significance of Nathu La Day and Cho La and said that these locations hold national importance. He referred to Ran Bhoomi Darshan as an initiative that enables citizens to visit sites associated with the nation’s defence history.
The Governor further stated that Ran Bhoomi tourism serves as a meaningful initiative to connect citizens, especially the younger generation, with the nation’s defence heritage by enabling visits to historic battle sites. He added that such tourism not only preserves the memory of military sacrifice but also promotes responsible travel, local livelihoods and greater public awareness of the strategic significance of these regions.
The Governor said that it was a privilege to visit the area and mentioned that it was his first visit. Concluding his address, he saluted the Army personnel for their dedication to the nation.
Justice Biswanath Somadder said the car rally was a symbolic event. He stated that India would emerge as a super economy and noted that the rally reflected the strong bond between civilians and the Indian Army. He added that the rally showcased the strength and preparedness of the Indian Army. Concluding his address, he wished good health and happiness to all for their future endeavours.
Major General MS Rathore welcomed the super car rally participants and expressed gratitude to Governor, Chief Justice and other dignitaries for their presence.
He informed that Ran Bhoomi Darshan was launched on the 77th Army Day, January 15, 2025, by the Indian Army in association with the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Tourism to open historically significant battlefield sites across the country for tourism, including Cho La.
Major General Rathore said that Cho La has been opened for tourism under Ran Bhoomi Darshan to promote battlefield tourism and enhance public awareness of defence history. He added that the initiative would gradually develop into a tourist circuit and described it as a strong example of military–civil cooperation through the super car rally.
Earlier, Governor Mathur and Chief Justice Somadder paid floral tributes during a wreath-laying ceremony at Cho La Prerna Sthal, located at an altitude of 14,800 feet. On the occasion, a history room, a souvenir and cafeteria outlet, and a gazebo, viewpoint shed, were inaugurated. The dignitaries offered prayers and sought blessings on behalf of the people of the State.
Cho La Prerna Sthal commemorates the Indian Army personnel who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1967 India–China conflict at Cho La and stands as a solemn symbol of remembrance. The memorial also acknowledges the leadership of then Major General Sagat Singh and honours officers, junior commissioned officers and other ranks, including Colonel KB Joshi, Lieutenant Atar Singh, Naib Subedar Gyan Bahadur Limbu, Havildar Tinjong Lama, Lance Naik Krishna Bahadur and Rifleman Devi Prasad Limbu, along with many other valiant soldiers whose courage in the defence of the Sikkim sector continues to inspire national pride.
Following the programme, mementos were presented to the super car drivers, after which an interaction was held with the participants, followed by a group photograph.
The super car rally, a self-funded and self-driven initiative, was organised in collaboration with Government of Sikkim and Black Cat Division under the aegis of the Trishakti Corps of Indian Army. The rally, led by the Mumbai-based Super Car Route Group, featured a convoy of 17 supercars.
