Raj Bhavan Sikkim celebrates Statehood Day of Rajasthan

GANGTOK, : Raj Bhavan Sikkim today celebrated the Statehood Day of Rajasthan with great fervor and enthusiasm in the gracious presence of Governor Om Prakash Mathur at Ashivard Bhavan, Raj Bhavan here.

Extending his heartiest greetings to the gathering, the Governor, on this joyous occasion, urged all Rajasthani brothers and sisters to take a solemn pledge on Rajasthan Statehood Day to honour not only their “matribhumi” but also their “karmbhumi”. He emphasized that every Rajasthani has to make both their homeland and Sikkim proud, a Raj Bhavan release informs.

He expressed his pride in the Rajasthani community, saying, “I am proud of you all for coming and settling here under challenging conditions with lack of resources 100-150 years ago. Over time, the people of Rajasthan here in Sikkim have seamlessly adapted to the local culture and language, earning the trust and respect of the local population.”

The Governor also encouraged the local Marwari community to take proactive initiatives, especially as Sikkim prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its Statehood and its merger with the Indian Union in the month of May.

With the Prime Minister of India scheduled to visit the State, commemorating the 50 years of Statehood, Mathur urged the Rajasthani community to undertake innovative projects that could be showcased as remarkable contributions by Rajasthani brothers and sisters towards the development and progress of the region.

The event commenced with a warm welcome address by commissioner-cum-secretary Jitendra Singh Raje, who expressed profound gratitude, stating that it is a matter of great pride to extend a warm welcome to the Governor. Hailing from Rajasthan, a land known for its rich cultural heritage and traditions, the Governor truly exemplifies the legacy of Rajasthan. He also extended his heartfelt greetings to the Governor and the distinguished gathering.

In his address, he highlighted that the celebration of the Statehood Day of each State in the Raj Bhavans across the nation is an initiative of the Ministry of Home Affairs, following the vision of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’. He emphasized that today’s celebration is not only a tribute to Rajasthan’s Statehood Day but also a reflection of our shared spirit of unity in diversity.

General Officer Commanding, 17th Mountain Division, Major General M.S. Rathore, also addressed the gathering, extending his warm wishes to all present. He appreciated the cultural programs from Rajasthan, urging that they continue to showcase the rich history and heritage of the state.

Sharing his personal experiences from the Indian Army, Major General Rathore noted that the valour and bravery of Rajasthan’s historical figures are often cited as exemplary tales of courage and patriotism within the armed forces.

An esteemed guest from the Marwari community, SK Sarda, also delivered an inspiring address, shedding light on the rich history of the Rajasthani people in Sikkim, tracing their roots back to the erstwhile kingdom era. His words spotlighted the enduring legacy and cultural contributions of the Marwari community in Sikkim.

The celebration also featured vibrant cultural performances, including traditional showcases by the Marwari community of Sikkim, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan. The celebration was further enriched by melodious performances by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), which resonated with themes of patriotism and national pride, the Raj Bhavan release mentions.