leaders-laud-sikkim-s-natural-beauty-and-progress-on-49th-statehood-day

President Draupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang along with leaders from across the nation conveyed warm wishes to the people of Sikkim on the occasion of the state's 49th Statehood Day.

 

Sikkim became the 22nd state of the Indian Union and the monarchy was abolished, on May 16, 1975. The state of Sikkim was formed by the 36th Amendment of the Constitution of India in 1975.   

 

In a post on X, President Droupadi Murmu conveyed her wishes appreciating the natural beauty of the state and said, "Greetings to the people of Sikkim on Statehood Day! Sikkim is blessed with sublime natural beauty manifested by snow-laden peaks, dense forests and waterfalls. Preserving their rich cultural heritage, the people of Sikkim have made significant contributions to the country's development through sustainable lifestyle and hard work. May the people and the state continue to prosper and go from strength to strength."

 

Greetings to the people of Sikkim on Statehood Day! Sikkim is blessed with sublime natural beauty manifested by snow-laden peaks, dense forests and waterfalls. Preserving their rich cultural heritage, the people of Sikkim have made significant contributions to the country’s…

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 16, 2024

 

"Greetings to the people of Sikkim on their Statehood Day", Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X.

 

"This state is known for its scenic beauty and hardworking people. Over the years, Sikkim has made a mark in organic farming. Our government will keep working for the welfare of Sikkim in the times to come", PM Modi said, adding, "I pray that the people of this state are always healthy and prosperous".

 

Greetings to the people of Sikkim on their Statehood Day. This state is known for its scenic beauty and hardworking people. Over the years, Sikkim has made a mark in organic farming. Our Government will keep working for the welfare of Sikkim in the times to come. I pray that the…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 16, 2024

 

Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya also extended felicitations to the state, reflecting on Sikkim's remarkable journey within India's democratic framework since its voluntary integration into the nation in 1975. 

 

"Today marks Sikkim's completion of 49 years in the democratic system. The journey from voluntary integration into the world's largest democracy on 16 May 1975 until today has been profoundly memorable and meaningful for Sikkim and its people," he said.

 

"Sikkim has achieved remarkable development in various sectors, including social, economic, cultural, and infrastructure, under the democratic system, setting an example for other states and strengthening democracy," Acharya added.

 

मेरा प्यारा सिक्किमे दाजुभाइ, दिदीबहिनीहरूलाई ४९औँ राज्य स्थापना दिवसको हार्दिक शुभकामना।
विकसित भारत @2047 को लक्ष्य हासिल गर्ने प्रतिबद्धताको साथमा, सिक्किमलाई प्रगति र समृद्धिको दिशा प्रदान गरि राष्ट्र निर्माणमा योगदान पुर्याऊ।
प्रगतिको पथमा अघि बढ्दा एकता र देशभक्तिको… pic.twitter.com/C62VOJiaNQ

— लक्ष्मण प्रसाद आचार्य (Lakshman Prasad Acharya) (@Laxmanacharya54) May 16, 2024

 

Chief Minister Tamang, in a social media post, commemorated the pivotal moment when Sikkim embraced democracy, setting forth on a trajectory of progress and prosperity intricately linked with the nation's fate. 

 

Tamang said, "It marks a pivotal moment in history when Sikkim embraced democracy, embarking on a journey of progress and prosperity that has deeply intertwined its fate with that of our nation. Over the past 49 years, Sikkim has carved out a distinct identity and made remarkable advancements." 

 

"As we celebrate this milestone, let us reaffirm our unwavering dedication to safeguarding our rich cultural heritage, traditional values, and the spirit of unity while striving to enhance the quality of life for all our citizens," the Chief Minister said. 

 

On behalf of the people of Sikkim, I thank you Hon’ble CM Shri @PemaKhanduBJP Ji for your warm and thoughtful greetings. https://t.co/iyC6WnPcpG

— Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) (@PSTamangGolay) May 16, 2024

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, Arunachal CM Pema Khandu, Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio along with others also conveyed their greetings taking to their social media handles to the people of Sikkim.

 

Brief history of Sikkim:

 

In the 17th century, the Namgyal dynasty established the Kingdom of Sikkim.

 

By 1890, the kingdom had become a protectorate of the British Empire, although the dynasty continued to rule under the Chogyal, who held the dual role of Buddhist priest-king. 

 

Post-Independence, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru agreed to maintain Sikkim's unique protectorate status, allowing India to oversee its external relations, defense, diplomacy, and communications while preserving its administrative autonomy.

 

To facilitate constitutional governance under the Namgyal rule, a state council was instituted in 1953. However, discontent simmered, leading to a popular uprising against the monarchy in 1973, spearheaded by former Sikkim Council member Kazi Lhendup Dorji. 

 

Subsequent riots in front of the Chogyal's palace prompted the monarch to formally seek security assistance from India, eventually resulting in Sikkim signing an agreement with India.

 

In 1974, a new constitution was adopted, relegating the Chogyal to a ceremonial role. 

 

The Indian government subsequently designated Sikkim as an "associated state" in 1974, granting it representation in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. 

 

By 1975, the Sikkim Prime Minister petitioned the Indian Parliament for statehood, leading to Sikkim's integration as a full-fledged state of India on May 16, 1975, accompanied by the abolition of the monarchy.