Saturday, Jan 04, 2025 08:15 [IST]
Last Update: Saturday, Jan 04, 2025 02:45 [IST]
The merger
of Sikkim with the Republic of India in 1975 was a very significant event in
modern political history. This was a time when the world was witnessing the
formation of sovereign countries by way of independence from colonial powers
and the splitting of countries while himalayan kingdoms like Nepal and Bhutan
were fortifying their sovereignty. At such a time, Sikkim made the cardinal
reverse move to join the Indian Union. India’s long struggle
against colonial powers and its commitment to democracy had won the hearts of
the Sikkimese people. Finally, on April 14,
1975, over 98% of the Sikkimese people voted in favour of a merger with
India and became 22nd state
of India.
Much water
has flown over the river Tista and Rangeet since then and now our state “Sikkim”
is going to celebrate “Golden Jubilee” of “Democracy” in 2025. During this
period (April 1975 to December 2024), Sikkim has emerged as one of the “Best
States” in our country in all leading sectors leaving behind many new states
due to the dedication, devotion, honesty and utmost care by the people for the
developments of our state. This milestone represents the fulfilment of
long-held aspirations, the opening of new opportunities for the people of
Sikkim and the state's integration into India's democratic framework. The
merger has been a transformative event for Sikkim, driving development,
introducing modern institutions, advancements in science and technology and
fostering holistic progress. Our state is very fortunate to have many dynamic,
devoted and sacrificed personalities as well as leaders who have always been
with the people, for the people and always dreamed in favour of the betterment
of our state. Our state is blessed to have great chief ministers right from the
very begging (1975) in form of Late Kazi Lhendup Dorjee to Shri Prem Singh
Tamang (Golay) who is in office from 2019.
To
commemorate this historic event, the Government of Sikkim has planned a
year-long series of activities under the theme "Sunaulo, Samridha and Samarth Sikkim," reflecting on the
State’s history both before and after the merger. Our Honourable Chief Minister
expressed great honour and delight that the Prime Minister has graciously accepted
the invitation to attend this grand event. Honourable Prime Minister will be
the chief guest at Sikkim’s Statehood Day celebration on May 16, 2025. The event will hold special significance as it marks
the “Golden Jubilee of Sikkim's merger with India” as well as 50 years of
democracy and statehood. Honourable Chief
Minister expressed great honour and excitement over the Prime Minister's
acceptance of the invitation. According to him “The presence of the Prime
Minister would greatly enhance the significance of the celebration, making it a
truly memorable occasion. It would be an exceptional opportunity to showcase
Sikkim's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty in his esteemed presence.”
The “theme”
for the celebration is "Sunaulo,
Samridha and Samarth Sikkim" which means “Golden, Prosperous and
Capable Sikkim”. The celebration will include a year-long series of activities
that reflect on Sikkim's history. The official lo go “Jingle” known as includes the “Gya-nak-chari motif”, which symbolizes
wisdom and protection. The logo also features Mount Khangchendzonga, which
represents the strength, resilience and rice paddy fields to represent Sikkim's
agricultural heritage. The official logo capturing the essence of Sikkim’s
cultural richness, natural splendour and deep-rooted values. Each element has
been meticulously selected to reflect the spirit and pride of Sikkim.
Prime
Minister Narendra Modi has shared and highly apprised many times “Sikkim’s
Organic Story” in the Parliament and also in many European countries during his
official visit. Sikkim became India’s “Greenest
State” in 1998, first “Nirmal Rajya” in 2008, first “Open Defecation Free
State” in 2016, and the “World’s first Organic State” in 2016. Sikkim bagged
over 100 national awards including the “Cleanest
state of India” by the Swachh Sarvekshan Gramin 2016 report and the
prestigious “Oscar for best policies”, the “Future Policy Gold Award” 2018 by
the UNFAO for becoming a 100% organic state. Sikkim also won the Best State for
“Comprehensive Development of Tourism
Award” during the National Tourism Awards 2016-17.
Our state
has five chief ministers so far and all of them are whole heartedly devoted and
engaged themselves actively to keep democratic rights of each and every
citizens of the state as well as for the upliftment and various developmental
activities of the state. They include Late Kazi Lehndup Dorjee (first chief
minister at the time of merger of Sikkim with India) followed by Late Shri Nar
Bahadur Bhandari, Late Shri B.B Gurung, Late
Shri Sanchaman Limbu, Shri Pawan Kumar Chamling and our present honourable
chief minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay).
Late Kazi
Lhendup Bhutia & his contributions towards our state
He played a
historic role as the architect of Sikkim's accession to the Indian Union and
had the distinction of spearheading the State as its first Chief Minister from
1974 to 1979. The year 1975 marked a historic turning point in
Sikkim’s history, as it formally joined the Indian Union. Kazi Lhendup Dorjee
emerged as a key figure in this process, spearheading negotiations and
diplomatic efforts that culminated in Sikkim’s accession to India.
Subsequently, he assumed office as the inaugural Chief Minister of Sikkim,
overseeing the state’s transition to democracy and governance.
Kazi Lhendup
Dorjee’s tenure as Chief Minister was marked by significant strides in
governance, infrastructure development, and social welfare initiatives. His
emphasis on communal harmony and inclusive policies endeared him to the people
of Sikkim, earning him widespread admiration and respect. In recognition of his
contributions, Dorjee was conferred with the “Padma Vibhushan” by the
Government of India in 2002.
Late B.B Gurung & his contributions towards our state
Bhim Bahadur
Gurung served as the 3rd CM of Sikkim from 11 May to 24 May 1984, the shortest
term in the history of Sikkim. Between 2014 and 2015 he served as the political
advisor to the CM of Sikkim. B. B Gurung served as a teacher and a staff reporter
in a Calcutta based newspaper the “Amrita Bazar Patrika” and he also edited the
first news-based Nepali Journal of Sikkim, called “Kanchenjunga”.
Late Sanchaman Limboo & his contributions towards
our state
He was 4th
Chief Minister of Sikkim for 179 days (June 17, 1994 to December 12, 1994).
During his period the central act of Other Backward Classes (OBC) was enforced
in Sikkim. Sanchaman Limboo had been a perfect politician with resilient
aptitude and tolerant behaviour. Within a short span of time he tried his best
to develop Sikkim state in many aspects including planning to open many new
educational institutes in the state.
Late Nar Bahadur Bhandari & his contributions
towards our state
Late N.B
Bhandari, the 2nd Chief Minister of Sikkim is regarded as “The Modern Architect of Sikkim”. His notable political
accomplishments are “Free education from elementary to graduate school”, “establishing
nearby schools within a radius of 3 to 4 km for all residents”, “providing
drinking water to every household” in Sikkim, “building a network of roads to
all major villages in Sikkim, bringing all rural areas in touch with nearby
towns”. N. B. Bhandari was a leader par excellence and his immense contribution
towards the State and its people has been etched in the pages of history and
shall always be remembered with great significance. N.B Bhandari was a true son
of the soil and loved Sikkim and the Sikkimese people from the depth of his
heart. His dynamic leadership during his regime as the Chief Minister stands as
a strong foundation and also as an inspiration to emulate. His most notable
contribution being the inclusion of the “Nepali language in 8th Schedule of the
Constitution of India”. N.B Bhandari was of a great personality and took each
challenge to his stride and emerged victorious in each front. Late Bhandari was
a disciplinarian and an able administrator and never compromise on the quality
of administration delivered during his tenure. Even with a limited budget
during his regime, he didn’t falter to deliver basic necessities and
connectivity to rural Sikkim. Sikkim and the Sikkimese people shall always
remain indebted to late Shri Bhandari for his tremendous contribution in
shaping Sikkim to what it is today. His birthday has been declared as “Official
holiday” in the state as a mark of respect for this great man.
Shri Pawan Chamling & his contributions towards
our state
Shri Pawan Chamling
is the longest serving 5th Chief Minister of Sikkim (1994 to 2018).
He has served and dedicated his duties in the office for 24 years relentlessly
in the service of Sikkimese people and for their wellbeing. He surpassed the
record set by Late Jyoti Basu of West Bengal and Shri Naveen Patnaik of Odissa
respectively. In recognition to his tireless effort at emotional integration of
Sikkimese people into the mainstream, he was awarded the coveted “Bharat Shiromani Award” in 1996. He was
also voted as the “Greenest Chief Minister of India” in 1998, Chamling has
consistently and extensively contributed to the environmental conservation of
the Eastern Himalayas. Sikkim received the first Nirmal Rajya Award of India in
2008. Sikkim under Chief Minister Chamling also earned the rare distinction of
becoming the first Organic State of India in 2016. For his achievement,
Chamling was given the “Sustainable
Development Leadership Award” 2016 on October 6, 2016 “in recognition of
his vision and leadership in environment and sustainable development leading to
the establishment of Sikkim as the first and only organic state. During the
Organic World Congress in November 2017, Chief Minister Chamling was nominated
and named as the “Ambassador of Organic
Himalaya and Organic World”.
Under Pawan
Chamling’s leadership, Sikkim witnessed significant advancements in various
sectors. He focused on education, healthcare and infrastructure development,
transforming the state into a model of sustainable growth. Chamling’s emphasis
on social welfare programs, women empowerment and upliftment of marginalized
communities showcased his commitment to inclusive governance. His achievements
and long tenure as Chief Minister continue to inspire leaders and shape the
political landscape of Sikkim. Pawan Kumar Chamling’s legacy extends beyond his
political career. His contributions to Sikkim’s development, environmental
conservation, and promotion of organic farming earned him widespread
recognition and respect. His visionary approach and dedication to the
well-being of the people of Sikkim established him as a prominent figure in
Indian politics. Today, Sikkim boasts of 100 per cent enrolment in schools and
the highest literacy rate in the country. Its per capita spend on education is
the highest in the country: Rs 12,400 per annum. The tiny Himalayan state has
the highest density of educational institutions in the country and all students
from poor families who gain admission to technical and management colleges
across the country get government scholarships. Poverty, thus, is no longer a
limiting factor when it comes to education – even technical, management and
university education in Sikkim. The most happening personality in Indian
leadership history, who owes the most eminent figure and prestigious luminary.
Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) & his contributions
towards our state
In a short
period of time (2019-continue), our
honourable chief minister has created a huge impact among all of us with his “Visionary plans and objectives” towards
integrating Sikkim with the rest of the country in almost every sectors. The
only HCM who has been able to create a respectable place for our state with the
central leadership at Delhi due to his most dedicated desire and modernized plans/programmers
for the development of the state. This has been possible for his down to earth
nature, and giving respects to all. I haven’t seen such a HCM who suddenly directs
his convoy to stop in certain places in the NH10 without caring about his
security during vulnerable road conditions (monsoon period) and quarrying about
the road conditions interacting not only with engineers but also with daily
passengers and their grievances followed by taking a “Cup of Tea” at an most
ordinary roadside tea stall. This reflects his nature towards common people and
his feelings for us! Not only that during COVID19 pandemic how can we forget
his contributions and efforts to save our state. During that period, Sikkim was
the only state where rigorous checking and screening process was continuing at
the “Border” and the suspects were sent to isolations in government aided
hotels and offices till they recover. Not only that, he himself visited many
rural and urban hospitals personally wearing PP Kit and interacted with the
patients.
Resuming his
office as HCM in 2019, he took certain best steps to preserve our “Green
Sikkim”. This includes complete ban of plastic bottles and packaged water
bottles which were being served in various official programs on regular basis
and the tourists used to enter our state with this packaged water bottles and
willingly or unwillingly thrown them elsewhere thus polluting our environment.
Therefore, once we achieved “Green State” of India title we need to preserve it
and so these steps were urgently needed. Now only 5 litres packaged water
bottles are available in our state for the tourists mainly.
P.S Golay’s approach
to governance is deeply rooted in inclusive development, focusing on creating
opportunities for marginalized communities, fostering youth entrepreneurship
and ensuring environmental sustainability and providing job security. His visionary ideas and concepts have been
found with many new schemes such as:
Economic Empowerment through the ‘One Family One
Entrepreneur Scheme’
Women’s Empowerment and Social Welfare: The Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana
The ‘Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana’, one of the
largest women-centric welfare programs in India, provides an annual grant of
Rs. 40,000 to mothers in Sikkim. Additionally, under the ‘Aama Sahyog Yojana’,
households are provided with four free LPG cylinders annually.
Healthcare
Reform: The CM Medical Assistance Scheme
Education
and Youth Empowerment: The Creativepreneur Scheme
Environmental
Sustainability: Mero Rukh, Mero Santati
This
initiative, which involves planting 108 trees for every newborn in the state,
is a powerful example of how environmental sustainability can be integrated
into governance. By linking the birth of a child to the planting of trees, this
program not only contributes to combating climate change but also strengthens
Sikkim’s cultural connection to nature.
Replicability
of HCM (Golay’s) Governance Model Across India
The success
of PS Golay’s governance model in Sikkim has sparked interest in its broader
applicability across India. The adoption of the ‘One Family One Entrepreneur Scheme’ by Andhra Pradesh is a clear
indication of the potential for Golay’s policies to be scaled and adapted to
larger, more diverse states.
The upcoming
“Statehood Day celebration” holds special importance as it marks the Golden
Jubilee of Sikkim's merger with India. Not long ago, Sikkimese people visiting
Indian cities were often mistaken for foreigners. That’s now history. Sikkim,
with a population of just about seven lakh, received over 15 lakh domestic
tourists annually nowadays.
The Chief
Minister urged all citizens of Sikkim to unite in this grand celebration,
embodying the spirit of Team Sikkim with enthusiasm and dedication, as they
commit to the continued progress and prosperity of the state and the people.
*This article is dedicated to our beloved Honourable
HCM Shri P.S Tamang (Golay) Sir & our government for planning to organize such
a grand celebration on this special occasion.
