The Sikkim We Leave Behind

Binu Chhetri

LETTER

Dear Editor,

Sikkim has always been more than a beautiful destination. For those who call it home, it is an emotion, an identity and a way of life. Our mountains, forests, rivers, villages and traditions are woven into who we are.

As Sikkim moves forward, perhaps it is time to pause and ask ourselves: what kind of Sikkim do we wish to leave behind for our children?

Development is essential. Our people deserve better roads, healthcare, education, employment, connectivity and modern infrastructure. But progress must also respect the fragile Himalayan environment and the character of the State.

Our mountains may look majestic, but they are not indestructible. Our forests and rivers need protection. Development cannot come at the cost of the natural systems that sustain us. At the same time, we must protect our traditional homes, languages, customs and the sense of community that makes Sikkim unique.

Tourism brings opportunities, but we must be careful not to destroy the very beauty and culture that visitors come here to experience.

We do not have to choose between development and preservation. We can build while protecting. We can grow while remaining rooted.

A road reaching a remote village is progress. A hospital saving a life is progress. A young person finding meaningful employment is progress. But protecting a river, a forest or a tradition is progress too.

We are only temporary custodians of this land. One day, we will hand it over to the next generation. The true measure of our progress, therefore, will not be how much we built, but how wisely we built and how much we protected along the way.

The question is simple: What are we willing to leave behind for the children who will call this beautiful land home?

Your’s etc,

Binu Chhetri
Gangtok