Mangan, January 26 (IPR): The 72nd Republic Day was celebrated at Zilla Bhawan, Mangan, North Sikkim, today. Hon’ble Minister for Road and Bridges and Cultural Affairs and Heritage Departments Shri Samdup Lepcha graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. He was accompanied by Additional Political Secretary to the Hon’ble Chief Minister North, Shri. Tshering Wangyal Bhutia and Chairman Sikkim Welfare Commission, Shri. Nim Tshering Lepcha. GREF Officer Commanding Shri. Ravi Kumar and GREF Engineer Shri. C.M Pandey were special guests for the programme. Administrative Heads, including the District Collector (North), ADM (North), SP (North), SDM (Mangan), along with district administrative officials, staff, students and the public were present at the programme.
The programme began with the hoisting of the National flag by the chief guest, followed by the National Anthem and the Guard of Honour.
The Hon’ble Minister began his address by wishing everyone a happy Republic Day and welcomed the gathering to the event. He expressed his happiness on being a part of a significant occasion and spoke in detail about the political history of India. He said that often people don’t understand the reasons for celebrating important days like the Republic Day and Independence Day and went on in detail about the difference between the two and their significance. He also informed that the main reason that Republic Day is celebrated on the 26th of January, in spite of the Constitutional Committee completing the draft in November 1949, is that the leaders of the nation wanted to mark 26th January as a historic date for it was on 26th January 1930 that the freedom fighters demanded ‘Purna Swaraj’ from the British.
He said that as Indians, it is essential to remember the sacrifices of our freedom fighters, to understand the importance of the National Emblem, the National Flag and to offer our services diligently for our state and our nation. He stated that Republic Day is a day to celebrate our rights and to accept our rights along with our responsibilities.
He highlighted the initiatives and developments of the state government under the leadership of the Hon’ble Chief Minister. He said that the Hon’ble Chief Minister has repeatedly stated that the government’s priority will always be the education sector, the health sector and road connectivity but that doesn’t mean that the other sectors would be ignored. He spoke about tourism sector soaring new heights and opening new avenues. He stated that the government has now opened a new route into Sikkim at Chewabhanjyang with a permit check post. He encouraged entrepreneurs to work towards being self-reliant and contribute to Atmanirbhar Bharat. He spoke on length about the government’s efforts to set up health and dialysis centres, up-gradation of education institutes and sanctioning of roads for proper connectivity, in spite of the pandemic being an obstacle. He reminded the people that the district administration, the police, the health and frontline workers, fire and emergency services have worked endlessly and sincerely in battling the combat against COVID-19 and making sure that the lives and order of the people don’t go disarray. He applauded them for their hard work and also applauded the public in general for always cooperating and adhering to SOPs laid down by the government.
He advised the youth and the students to make the best of their times. Citing instances from his personal life, he told them that time is priceless and valuable. One never knows where one could end up in life and therefore to make the best of their education and wisdom to prepare themselves for greater things in life, he said. He left them with a positive note, reminding them that if they work hard and equip themselves with knowledge, they could be important and significant members in the society in the coming future.
He thanked the officials of GREF for always assisting the people of North District, especially during the lockdown and during natural calamities. He acknowledged their efforts and offered gratitude on behalf of the state. It may be mentioned that GREF OC and Engineer were felicitated during the programme.
He concluded his address by stating that we have to work on our drawbacks and build a positive and honest work ethic along with a clean and hygienic work environment. As Indians, we should be united in our diversity and work for the common goal, i.e towards the development of the country. He assured that the state government would extend all support and assistance to the people if and when needed.
Earlier, the DC (North) explained the significance of Republic Day and read out the Republic Day message of the Hon’ble Governor and the ADM (North) read out the message of the Hon’ble Chief Minister.
Staff and workers from various departments and Quick Reaction Team were also felicitated for their hard work and dedication, especially during the pandemic.
Students from all over the district performed cultural dances, songs and a patriotic song. Prizes and certificates were awarded to students who won the various competitions organized under BBBP.
Similarly, Republic Day was celebrated at Chungthang with the hoisting of the flag and National Anthem. Hon’ble M.L.A (Gangtok) Shri. Y.T Lepcha was the chief guest of the programme.
In Kabi, Hon’ble Minister for Forest and Environment Department Shri. Karma Loday Bhutia attended the 72nd Republic Day celebrations. Block officials and staff were all present in the gathering.
In Dzongu, Hon’ble Advisor Power Department and area M.LA, Shri. Pintso Namgyal Lepcha attended the Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest. Officials, staff and the public were present for the flag hoisting and the National Anthem. Two P.H.D Scholars were also felicitated by the chief guest for their academic achievements. Students from Late Sonam Choda Secondary School presented a patriotic song.
