Sikkim celebrates Rashtriya Ekta Diwas

KUNAL RAI

GANGTOK,: Sikkim on Saturday celebrated Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, marking the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, with the State-level programme held at Chintan Bhawan here.

Sikkim Legislative Assembly Speaker M.N. Sherpa attended the programme as the chief guest. He was accompanied by Rural Development minister Arun Kumar Upreti, Urban Development minister Bhoj Raj Rai, MLA Pamin Lepcha, Chief Secretary R. Telang, Director General of Police Akshay Sachdeva and other dignitaries.

The programme began with a guard of honour presented by Sikkim Police personnel for the chief guest, followed by the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and floral tributes to Patel's portrait. Sherpa also administered the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas pledge.

Addressing the gathering, Sherpa said Patel’s contribution to nation-building was immense, particularly his role in integrating more than 560 princely States into a united India.

Describing Patel as a great freedom fighter, lawyer and statesman, he said his vision of unity in diversity brought together princely states with diverse cultures, religions and languages to form one nation.

Emphasising the importance of unity in diversity, Sherpa referred to initiatives under the leadership of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang to promote traditional attire and cultural heritage. He highlighted the State Government's initiative encouraging people to wear traditional attire on Thursdays, as well as the practice in the Legislative Assembly of encouraging MLAs to wear their respective traditional dresses.

Stressing the importance of preserving indigenous languages and cultural traditions, the Speaker said the younger generation must be encouraged to learn their respective vernacular languages alongside other languages.

He observed that while parents in the past had prioritised teaching their children Nepali and English, there was now a need to give equal importance to mother tongues and the rich cultural heritage of different communities.

“The eradication of a language, culture and tradition is the eradication of a community,” he said, urging people to reflect on the issue with utmost sincerity.

Sherpa also drew attention to Japan's disaster management system and requested the Chief Secretary to consider organising an educational tour for state government officials to study the country's preparedness, practices and response mechanisms in dealing with disasters.

Concluding his address, the Speaker called upon the gathering to move beyond ceremonial tributes and draw practical lessons from the lives of great leaders by embracing unity, dedication and public service in their everyday lives. On behalf of the State government and the people of Sikkim, he paid respects to to Patel for his immense contribution towards the nation.

Earlier, Home secretary Tenzing T. Kaleon, in his address, said Patel’s visionary leadership, strong will and administrative acumen continued to serve as a guiding force for those working in governance, public administration and law enforcement.

The programme was also addressed by the Officer on Special Duty (Culture), who highlighted the life and contributions of Patel

Artists from the Culture department presented cultural performances, while the Information and Public Relations department screened a short film on Patel's life and contributions.

It was informed that the State would mark Patel’s 151st birth anniversary through a year-long series of activities and programmes.