Sikkim @50: A Proud Daughter’s Tribute on the Golden Jubilee of Statehood

SANGITA PRADHAN Deputy Solicitor General of India

As Sikkim celebrates its 50th Statehood Day on May 16, 2025, I write not just as a citizen, but as a proud daughter of this sacred land. Born and raised in the serene hills of Sikkim, I carry within me the legacy of generations rooted deeply in its soil. Today, as I serve the Central Government as the Deputy Solicitor General of India—posted in my own State of Sikkim—I reflect on this milestone with profound emotion, pride, and gratitude.

Sikkim’s journey from a peaceful Himalayan kingdom to becoming the 22nd State of the Indian Union in 1975 is a story of democratic aspiration and national integration. The decision to merge with India through a democratic referendum was a bold and visionary choice made by the people of Sikkim. That choice was honoured and immortalized through Article 371F of the Constitution of India, which granted Sikkim special protections—preserving its unique identity, customs, and legal traditions even as it embraced the spirit of the Indian Republic.

Sikkim is a State like no other. Its breathtaking landscapes, multilingual and harmonious population, and reverence for nature distinguish it in the Indian mosaic. What further makes Sikkim stand tall is its proud status as India’s first fully ORGANIC STATE . This achievement is not merely an agricultural milestone but a profound environmental and cultural commitment that reflects the State’s deep-rooted values of sustainability and holistic well-being. The organic mission of Sikkim has set an example for the Nation and the World in balancing development with ecological responsibility.

Over the past five decades, Sikkim has flourished under the protective and progressive umbrella of the Indian Constitution. The support extended by the Central Government—be it in development, infrastructure, education, or preserving the distinct character of the State—has been unwavering. Article 371F stands as a symbol of India’s inclusive federalism, where unity respects diversity, and tradition finds its rightful space within modern governance.

I am deeply humbled to serve in the capacity of Deputy Solicitor General of India, a position of constitutional significance, and more so, to do so from my birthplace—this jewel of the Eastern Himalayas. Being the first-ever to hold this post from Sikkim, I consider this not just a personal milestone but a collective achievement for every Sikkimese daughter who dreams of service, dignity, and impact.

As we mark the golden jubilee of Statehood, I offer heartfelt gratitude to the Government of India for nurturing the aspirations of this small yet vibrant State. I salute my fellow citizens who have preserved Sikkim’s harmony, diversity, and resilience over the years. This moment is not just a celebration of the past, but a commitment to a future where Sikkim continues to shine—as a proud State of India and a bastion of peace, beauty, and constitutional grace.

Jai Hind. Jai Sikkim.