State heads attend Rajasthan Statehood Day celebration at Lok Bhavan

GANGTOK, (IPR): Lok Bhavan, Sikkim celebrated the Statehood Day of Rajasthan with great enthusiasm and fervour at Ashirvad Bhavan today under the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative.

The programme was attended by Governor Om Prakash Mathur, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, Chief Justice of High Court of Sikkim, Justice Muhamed Mustaque Ayumantakath, Speaker Mingma Norbu Sherpa, Deputy Speaker Raj Kumari Thapa, High Court Judges Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai and Justice Bhaskar Raj Pradhan, Rajasthan Forest and Environment minister Sanjay Sharma, MLAs, senior government officers, poets from Rajasthan, Vineet Chauhan and Sidarth Deval, along with other dignitaries and invitees.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Om Prakash Mathur extended his greetings and highlighted that the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ programme, spearheaded by the Prime Minister, aims to preserve and promote India’s rich cultural diversity. He stated that showcasing one’s own culture while learning about others helps build mutual understanding and brotherhood, informs a press release.

The Governor remarked that the forts of Rajasthan stand as enduring symbols of valour and resilience. He also referred to the contribution of Major General Sagat Singh for his role during the 1967 India-China clash at Nathula Pass. He further appreciated the courage and valour of women in Rajasthan.

He called for efforts to make India a “Vishwa Guru” once again, stating that the country must strive to regain its past glory.

In his address, the Chief Minister, Prem Singh Tamang, highlighted that the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative, envisioned by the Prime Minister of India, strengthens the spirit of unity in diversity through the celebration of State Formation Days. He appreciated Lok Bhavan for organising the Rajasthan Statehood Day celebration in Sikkim under the guidance of the Governor.

Minister Sanjay Sharma spoke about Rajasthan’s natural resources, desert landscape, and rich historical heritage. He also appreciated traditional environmental conservation practices and stressed the need for greater cooperation between states in addressing climate change and environmental protection.

During the programme, the jazz band of SSB, Siliguri presented a patriotic musical performance, followed by Ghoomar dance by artists from the Sikkim Marwari community, the release adds.