This year, on 16 May, Sikkim is marking the golden jubilee of its statehood. An interesting way the celebration came to light was the race to watch butterflies. Sikkim became the 22nd state of India on 16 May 1975.
"We started the 16-day Butterthon, the first-of-its-kind event specific to butterflies, on 1 May. This is not a test of speed but a leisurely race to spot the ecologically important butterflies across Sikkim," says Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha, the president of the Butterfly Society of Sikkim-TPCF.
The event kicked off on May 1 and which will conclude on Friday, has drawn an enthusiastic crowd, including lepidopterists, ornithologists, and citizen scientists from across India and overseas.
Home to nearly half of India’s butterfly species, this Himalayan state is fast becoming a haven for nature enthusiasts and eco-tourists alike.
Participants are venturing into Sikkim’s lush jungles and high-altitude meadows, hoping to catch a glimpse of some of the 700 butterfly species that flutter through the state. A staggering 420 of these species -- about 61 per cent are found in the Dzongu area near the breathtaking Khangchendzonga National Park.
Meanwhile, the Press Club of Sikkim in association with the state government will organise a conclave to commemorate 50 years of Sikkim’s statehood, officials said on Sunday.
The stage is set for ‘Sikkim@50: Golden Jubilee Conclave 1975–2025’ at Adampool here, which will be organised by the Information and Public Relations Department (IPR) and the press club, they said.
The conclave will feature a host of distinguished personalities, who will reflect on Sikkim’s journey over the past 50 years and offer perspectives on its future, Press Club of Sikkim president Bhim Rawat told reporters.
He highlighted that the discussions will showcase the state’s key achievements and explore emerging investment opportunities.
Senior District Information Officer (Gangtok), Sarojini Subba, said the conclave is an initiative of the state government to showcase the development of the fourth pillar of democracy, marking the 50th year of Sikkim’s statehood.
This event comes at a crucial time, given the growing significance of geopolitics and Sikkim’s strategic location, Subba added.
Also Read: Sikkim’s sole road to Indian mainland, NH-10, to shut for repairs
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