Sikkim Celebrates 51st Statehood Day, CM Tamang Highlights Development Journey

Marking the 51st Statehood Day of Sikkim , Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Saturday extended greetings to the people of the Himalayan state and praised Sikkim’s achievements in sustainable development, environmental conservation and social harmony .

In a social media message, Tamang said Sikkim continues to inspire the nation through its commitment to organic farming, ecological preservation, democratic values and cultural harmony . He also wished that the occasion would further strengthen unity and progress among the people.

Describing the year-long celebrations commemorating 50 years of Sikkim’s integration with India as a reflection of the state’s “remarkable journey of peace, democracy and progressive development,” the Chief Minister said the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the closing ceremony added significance to the occasion.

Tamang also appealed to citizens to support the Prime Minister’s call for austerity measures in the larger national interest.

Observed every year on May 16 , Sikkim Day marks the historic occasion when Sikkim formally became the 22nd state of India in 1975 . Formerly a Himalayan kingdom ruled by the Chogyal monarchy , Sikkim had been an Indian protectorate after Independence. Political unrest and demands for democratic reforms eventually led to a referendum in April 1975 , in which an overwhelming majority voted in favour of abolishing the monarchy and joining the Indian Union.

Following the referendum, the Indian Parliament passed the 36th Constitutional Amendment , officially granting Sikkim full statehood on May 16, 1975.

Tamang concluded by wishing the people of Sikkim continued peace, prosperity and happiness in the years ahead.