Sikkim’s Statehood Day was celebrated at the Assam Lok Bhavan on Saturday under the leadership of Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya as part of the 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' initiative. Sikkim became the 22nd state of India in 1975. The governor extended greetings to the people of Sikkim and described the Himalayan state as a symbol of peace, progress, environmental conservation, and national pride.
The governor pointed out the geographical location of Sikkim, which shares borders with China, Bhutan and Nepal, to describe the state as the sentinel of the country.
"Sikkim has made rapid progress on all fronts and preserved its culture and traditions at the same time," he said at the 51st state day celebrations held at Manan Kendra, adding that the state emerged as a model for sustainable development by becoming India’s first fully organic state, showing how economic growth can coexist with environmental protection.
Acharya also highlighted Sikkim’s growing prominence in eco-tourism, organic agriculture, and the pharmaceutical sector.
Recalling his tenure as the Sikkim governor, he said the affection, simplicity, and deep respect for nature shown by the people of the state continue to remain among his most cherished memories.
Highlighting the importance of women's empowerment in nation-building, the governor said Sikkim has set inspiring examples in promoting women’s participation in education, entrepreneurship, self-help groups, and public life. Referring to the spirit of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat', Acharya said India’s true strength lies in its unity in diversity and stressed the need for the younger generation to understand and appreciate the cultural heritage and traditions of different states of the country.
Besides Vice-President, the programme was also attended by the commissioner and secretary to the governor, SS Meenakshi Sundaram, assistant resident commissioner of Sikkim, Jashoda Chettri, and staff of Lok Bhavan.
PM, President extended wishes —
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the people of Sikkim on the occasion of the 51st Statehood Day, and said that the contribution of the Himalayan state to India's development is "deeply valued". Vice President C P Radhakrishnan also lauded Sikkim for making rapid progress and said it will get railway connectivity by next year, which will further boost development and tourism in the state.
In a letter to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, Modi vowed to extend support and cooperation to Sikkim for its tourism and economic development.
President Murmu, in an X post, said, "Warm greetings to the people of Sikkim on the occasion of Statehood Day. With its magnificent natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and strong commitment to environmental conservation, Sikkim stands as a model of sustainable development for the nation. The people of Sikkim are known for their warmth, simplicity, and spirit of harmony. May the state and its people continue to prosper."
Tamang also greeted the people on the occasion of the 51st Statehood Day and said the Himalayan state continues to inspire the country through its commitment to sustainable development and social harmony.
The PM described the occasion as "sacred and joyous", stating that this year carries deeper significance as it marks the culmination of the 50th statehood celebrations of Sikkim.
He said the milestone offers an opportunity to look back with pride on Sikkim's remarkable journey over the past five decades.
"Greetings to my sisters and brothers on their Statehood Day. The contribution of Sikkim to India's development is deeply valued. Wishing the people of the state good health and prosperity," the PM said on X.
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