The event was graced by the Governor of Sikkim, Shri Laxman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang. Also present were the Speaker, Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Mr Arun Kr Upreti, Cabinet Ministers, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, MPs, MLAs, Zilla Adhyaksha, Upadhyaksha, Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, ACSs, Secretaries, officers of the State Government, and other dignitaries.
The ceremony commenced with dignitaries garlanding and offering khadas at the statue of the late Padma Vibhushan Shri L.D. Kazi, Sikkim’s inaugural Chief Minister, within the premises of Chintan Bhawan.
In his address, Governor of Sikkim, Shri Laxman Prasad Acharya, conveyed his congratulations to the people of Sikkim on the momentous occasion of completing 49 years as the 22nd State of India. He commended Sikkim’s remarkable journey, highlighting its transformation into a highly progressive state through pioneering development endeavours across various sectors.
Reflecting on Sikkim’s rich history, the Governor delved into its diverse aspects, underscoring the state’s resilience and evolution over the years. He highlighted Sikkim’s strengths in various sectors and stressed the importance of the State Day celebration as a valuable occasion to reflect on the government’s accomplishments and progress.
Chief Minister, Mr Prem Singh Tamang, in his address highlighted Sikkim’s advancements as one of India’s most progressive states, attributing to the opportunities for growth in sectors including entrepreneurship development, agriculture, tourism, and others.
Moreover, he discussed various initiatives undertaken by the State Government to drive unprecedented development, including programmes like “Mero Rukh Mero Santati” and women-centric initiatives. He highlighted government policies and developmental efforts in priority sectors like health and education.
The Chief Minister expressed gratitude for the dedication, support, and commitment of government employees, former political figures, bureaucrats, and the people of Sikkim for the state’s achievements.
The Chief Minister also urged everyone to prepare for the grand celebration of Sikkim’s 50th Statehood, “Swarna Jayanti” or Golden Jubilee.
In his welcome address, Chief Secretary, Mr V B Pathak, highlighted that the 49th State Day celebration should be considered as a moment of reflection and a celebration of the unique identity of the people of Sikkim. He also underlined that the seamless harmony between the different communities of Sikkim contributes to the reputation as the land of peace and tranquility.
Furthermore, he highlighted Sikkim’s remarkable progress across various domains despite being one of India’s youngest states. These advancements encompass economic inclusivity, infrastructure development, education, healthcare, organic farming, tourism, as well as women and youth development.
He emphasised Sikkim’s achievements, including its rank as the 4th lowest state in the Multi Poverty Index, its low financial credit to debt ratio, placing Sikkim among the top 3 states in India.
The function also featured Vedic Chanting performed by students from Sri Satya Sai Prashanti Vidya Mandir, Sichey, Chanting of Mantras by students from Enchey Monastic School, and Hymns sung by EPCS, Gangtok.
Following that students from Modern Sr. Secondary School and Deorali Girls Sr. Secondary School delivered renditions of patriotic songs. Additionally, children from the Special School for Children with Disabilities in Shyari and the Special School for the Hearing Impaired in Sichey also participated.
A book titled ‘ Hamro Sankalp: Viksit Bharat Pushpit Sikkim by Raj Bhavan was also released during the programme.
A brief documentary titled “Statehood Symphony: Nearing the Golden Jubilee” by the Information and Public Relations Department was screened. Additionally, a video titled “Sikkim: Where Nature Meets Smiles” by Raj Bhavan was also shown.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Secretary, IPR Department, Ms Karma D. Youtso.
