Sikkim joined the nation in celebrating the 77th Republic Day. The main function was held at Palzor Stadium in Gangtok, where Governor Om Prakash Mathur was the Chief Guest. Chief Minister of Sikkim Prem Singh Tamang was also present on the occasion.
Mathur unfurled the National Flag; took salute of several armed forces like Into Tibetan Border Police; the Guest Platoon from Arunachal Pradesh, the Sikkim Armed Police, the 2nd and 3rd Indian Reserve Battalion, etc. The Governor, during the occasion, conferred the State Meritorious Services Award & Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak.
Mathur said, Sikkim, one of the youngest states of the country, has achieved numerous distinctions. These include becoming India’s first fully organic farming state, emerging as one of the country’s most preferred tourism destinations, and ranking as the safest state for women. These achievements reflect the sustained efforts of the Government in transforming Sikkim into a model of inclusive and sustainable development, firmly rooted in the constitutional values we cherish.
Our progress is also reflected in strong socio-economic indicators. Sikkim ranks among the least poor states in the country and has witnessed a significant reduction in poverty and unemployment levels. I am proud to state that my government’s unwavering commitment to human development has further strengthened Sikkim’s position as a best-performing state in tuberculosis control, the Jal Jeevan Mission, Environmental Education, and National Education Policy (NEP) aligned kindergarten education.
Governor also discussed the development of several Hospitals and Community Health Centres to ensure proper medical care reach to the furthest corners of the state. Among them, 500 bedded Namchi District Hospital, inaugurated by the Prime Minister during the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Sikkim’s Statehood, stands as a landmark achievement for southern Sikkim.
Mathur said, we have also modernised our curriculum. New NEP-aligned textbooks for Classes I to Class V, integrating sustainability, local context and child-friendly learning, have been introduced and have been commended by the Ministry of Education as one of the nation’s best practices. Innovative methods such as Vidya Pravesh, phonics-based reading and experiential learning are now transforming classrooms into vibrant spaces of discovery.
As part of the celebration, Governor Mathur and CM Tamang visited the Army Equipment display; the Governor launched some of the flagship State Govt initiatives like “Mero Elaichi Mero Dhan”, Mero School Mero Abhiyaan, etc.
This was followed by a cultural program performed by the Department of Culture, Government of Sikkim, & at home reception at Lok Bhawan, Sikkim.
