Sikkim observes Har GharTiranga, Partition Horror Remembrance Day and 150 Years of VandeMataram

GANGTOK, (IPR): Governor Om Prakash Mathur, along with Chief MinisterPrem Singh Tamang, led the ‘Har GharTiranga’ march from MG Marg, culminating in a commemorative event at Manan Kendra today.

The programme also honoured 150 years of ‘VandeMataram’ and observed ‘Partition Horror Remembrance Day’.

The Governor, Chief Minister and other dignitaries viewed a photo exhibition on ‘Partition Horror Remembrance Day’ displayed at the premises of Manan Kendra.

The programme began with the welcome address delivered by Culture secretary Basant Kumar Lama, who briefed the gathering on the importance of the day’s programme and the significance of remembering the sacrifices and suffering during Partition, honouring ‘VandeMataram’ and promoting patriotism through the ‘Har GharTiranga’ campaign.

Addressing the gathering, the Governordescribed the occasion as emotional and historical. He highlighted the evolution of the national flag and noted that it embodies the sacrifices of countless freedom fighters. Tracing its history from early concepts by figures like Madame Cama and Shyamji Krishna Varma to PingaliVenkayya’s 1921 design, he emphasised that the Tiranga represents national unity and civic responsibility.

Reflecting on ‘VandeMataram’, authored by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the Governor led the audience in chanting lines from the song and described it as a symbol of reverence for the motherland. He expressed gratitude to Union home minister Amit Shah, for recent legislative efforts to accord national song status and mandated respect to ‘VandeMataram’. He encouraged public offices and households to display its text.

Recounting the tragedies of the 1947 Partition, the Governor paid tribute to those who suffered and lost their lives. He shared memories of hearing accounts of trains arriving during Partition and reflected on the suffering and sacrifices of those affected.

Emphasising civic duty, he urged the youth to demonstrate patriotism through honesty, environmental protection, unity and contribution to a developed India (Viksit Bharat). He appealed to citizens, legislators and residents of border villages to participate enthusiastically in the ‘Har GharTiranga’ initiative.

YangchenDonker Bhutia, a research officer from Culture department, delivered a brief talk on ‘Har GharTiranga’ and ‘Partition Horror Remembrance Day’.

Following this, artists from the Culture department led the gathering in a mass singing of ‘VandeMataram’ and the National Anthem.

The audience observed a two-minute silence in memory of those who lost their lives during Partition.

A short video by the National School of Drama highlighting the horrors of Partition was screened.

The event concluded with two patriotic songs by artists from the Culture department, ‘Bharat HumkoJaan Se Pyara Hai’ and ‘VandeMataram’, followed by the vote of thanks by Culture special secretary, Tshering Yangden.

The programme was attended by cabinet ministers, MLAs, political secretary to the Chief Minister (Press and Publicity), zilla adhyaksha and up-adhyaksha of Gangtokdistrict, mayor, Gangtok Municipal Corporation councillors, APS (Gangtok), Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, advisors, chairpersons, heads of departments, OSDs and officials from various departments.