Sikkimese must reaffirm their commitment to protect Article 371F: Chamling

GANGTOK,: Former Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has extended his heartfelt wishes to the people of Sikkim and to the proud citizens of India on occasion of 80^th Independence Day.

“As we embark on our 80th year as a free nation, let us also remember the generations of leaders who have served our country and helped shape India over these decades. And let us honour our brave soldiers who continue to guard our borders and protect the sovereignty of our nation, often placing their own lives on the line,” said the former Chief Minister in his message.

“Although Sikkim became a part of the Indian Union much later, in 1975, our patriotism and sacrifice are exemplified by our historic democratic referendum through which the Sikkimese people chose to become the 22nd State of India and embrace the nation’s democratic system, values and constitutional framework.

Sikkim’s contribution to India is a matter of immense pride.Since becoming the 22nd State, we have consistently contributed to the nation’s progress while preserving our distinct identity,” added Chamling, also the SDF president.

The former Chief Minister reminded that when Sikkim joined the Indian Union in 1975, Article 371F was incorporated into the Constitution as a non-obstante clause to safeguard the unique identity, status and constitutional position of Sikkim State within the Indian Union. As Sikkimese people, we must reaffirm our commitment to protecting this constitutional safeguard which defines our identity and protects our unique rights, he said.

Chamling shared that in the five decades since Sikkim became the 22nd State of India, he had the honour and privilege of serving the State for 25 years as Chief Minister. “I am proud that, as an expression of our commitment to the nation, we were able to make Sikkim the world’s first fully organic State. We also witnessed one of the fastest reductions in poverty in the world, with poverty declining from 41.43% in 1993 to 3.85% in 2019,” he said.

Chamling expressed that as India steps into its 80th year as a free nation, people must also take stock of where they are and where they aspire to go.

“In 1947, we gained freedom from colonial rule and entered a new era in which we could chart our own path as a nation. But what does independence mean in our everyday lives? What does independence mean for us as Sikkimese people? These are questions that go beyond the formal and political definition of independence.”

He also drew attention that around 65% of India’s population is under the age of 35 and the nation’s greatest strength lies in the energy, curiosity, creativity and innovation of these young people.

“How do we harness this enormous potential for nation-building? How do we ensure that our youth have the education, opportunities and freedom to dream, create and build their futures?”

Chamling reminded that the growing impact of climate change also demands the nation’s attention. “For Sikkim, this is particularly urgent because of the fragility of our Himalayan ecosystem. The devastating GLOF of 2023 was a stark reminder of the rapidly changing conditions of our glaciers and the vulnerability of Himalayan communities in the face of global warming. How India and Sikkim prepare for these challenges will determine the security and prosperity of generations to come,” he said.

The former Chief Minister highlighted that India ranks157th out of 180 countries in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders. “This should concern us all as Indian citizens. A healthy democracy requires a free press, freedom of expression, institutional accountability and the ability of citizens to question those in power. These are not merely political ideals; they are essential pillars of a functioning democracy,” he said.

“As we look towards India@100, our responsibility is to build a nation that is not only economically strong, but also socially just, democratic and inclusive. For us as Sikkimese people, this also means preserving our unique identity, our constitutional protections and our rightful place within the Indian Union, while continuing to contribute to India’s progress and pursuing our own distinctive trajectory of innovation, development and human progress,” said Chamling.

The former Chief Minister appealed to the people to work together to build a nation where every citizen can live with dignity, hope and opportunity; and a Sikkim that continues to thrive and make the nation and the entire world proud.

On this Independence Day, I urge the people of Sikkim and our fellow citizens across India to commit ourselves to this vision, he said.