Gangtok, Jan 26 (IPR): The State-level celebration of the 77th Republic Day was held at Paljor Stadium, today.
The programme commenced with the arrival of Governor, Mr Om Prakash Mathur, who was received by Chief Minister, Mr Prem Singh Tamang, Chief Secretary, Mr R Telang, and Director General of Police, Mr Akshay Sachdeva.
Cabinet Ministers, Heads of Departments, senior officers of the State Government and local attended the function.
In his address, Governor, Mr Om Prakash Mathur, recalled the adoption of the Constitution of India and reaffirming commitment to its core values of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. He expressed tribute to freedom fighters and brave border forces for safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty.
Highlighting a historic milestone, he noted that Sikkim completed 50 years of Statehood, reflecting on its remarkable progress with the support of the Government of India. He highlighted that Sikkim has emerged as one of the safest States for women, a preferred tourism destination and a best performer in human development indicators, including health, sanitation, education and poverty reduction.
In the health sector, the Governor outlined major investments in strengthening infrastructure across the State. He highlighted the expansion of district hospitals, decentralisation of dialysis services, establishment of a tertiary cancer care centre. He reiterated the government’s commitment to universal health coverage through the Mukhya Mantri Swasthya Suvidha Yojana and the Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Scheme.
In education, he highlighted key initiatives implementation of NEP 2020, strengthening foundational learning, vocational education saturation, teacher empowerment and improved learning outcomes. He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to make Sikkim a fully literate State by 2026.
Emphasising connectivity and infrastructure, he highlighted expansion of road networks and bridges, with renewed focus on quality, safety and resilience.
In tourism, the government is promoting eco-tourism, adventure tourism, homestays, cultural and pilgrimage tourism, supported by major projects such as Bhaleydhunga Ropeway, Skywalk, Glass Bridge at Singshore, and theme-based destinations under Central schemes, he added.
On skill development and employment, the Governor, spoke on flagship initiatives such as Sikkim INSPIRES, entrepreneurship promotion under One Family One Entrepreneur, international placements, MSME support, and youth-centric schemes including Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyamsheelta Vikas Yojana.
He further highlighted women-centric initiatives including Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana, LPG support, extended maternity leave, reservations in Panchayats and government jobs, pink buses, SHG empowerment and e-marketing under Swayam Sikkim. Welfare measures for senior citizens, pensioners and persons with disabilities were also reiterated.
In agriculture and horticulture, he underscored efforts to strengthen organic farming, nurseries, protected cultivation, mechanisation, GI crops, large cardamom revival, and climate-resilient practices, resulting in increased farmer incomes.
Addressing climate resilience, the Governor, highlighted pioneering work on glacial lake outburst flood mitigation, cancer prevention initiatives and revival of large cardamom through scientific interventions.
Concluding his address, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a Sunaulo, Samriddha ani Samarth Sikkim.
Earlier, the celebration began with the unfurling of the National Flag by the Governor Mr Om Prakash Mathur, followed by the playing of the National Anthem. After receiving the National Salute, the Governor reviewed the Republic Day parade.
The parade was headed by the Parade Commander, Assistant Superintendent of Police Mr Suraj D (IPS), and the Parade 2IC, Police Inspector Mr Sonam Dorjee Lachenpa. The March Past comprised contingents from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) with Platoon Commander Inspector GD Subhash Kumar, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) with Platoon Commander Sub-Inspector GD Indrajeet Kumar Singh, Guest Platoon from Arunachal Pradesh (4th IRBn) with Platoon Commander Sub-Inspector Karmar Kamki, Sikkim Armed Police (SAP) with Platoon Commander Assistant Sub-Inspector Top Tshering Lepcha, 2nd Indian Reserve Battalion (IRBn) with Platoon Commander Sub-Inspector Taman Raj Gurung, 3rd Indian Reserve Battalion (IRBn) with Platoon Commander Sub-Inspector Phur Tshering Lepcha, Sikkim Police (Male) with Platoon Commander Sub-Inspector Norkey Lachenpa, Sikkim Police (Female) with Platoon Commander Sub-Inspector Karden Choden Bhutia, Forest and Environment Department with Platoon Commander Block Officer Sonam Tashi Bhutia, Sikkim Home Guards and Civil Defence with Platoon Commander Assistant Sub-Inspector Robert Lepcha, National Cadet Corps (NCC) with Platoon Commander Senior Under Officer Master Sonam Pintso Bhutia, and the Sikkim Police Pipe Band and Brass Band with Band Masters Sub-Inspector Robin Kr Tamang and Sub-Inspector Purna Subba respectively.
The following announcements were made by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India:
1. The President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service was awarded to Mr Ashwani Kumar Chand, Additional Director General, Sikkim.
2. The Police Medal for Meritorious Service was awarded to Mr Tshering Sherpa, Superintendent of Police, Sikkim.
3. The Fire Service Medal for Meritorious Service was awarded to Mr Dawa Tamang, Assistant Sub Fire Officer, Sikkim.
The programme for the Presentation of Awards and Medals was held, during which the Governor and the Chief Minister presented the medals and awards.
Trophies for the March Past were presented to:
1. All round best platoon category.
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
2. The Guest Platoon from Arunachal Pradesh (4th IRBn) was also felicitated
The Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak was awarded posthumously to:
1. Dr Pema Tenzing Lachungpa
2. Mr Dawa Tshering Lepcha
The Sikkim State Meritorious Service Award, comprising a citation and cash reward, was conferred upon the following:
1. Mr Rinzing Paljor Bhutia, Superintendent of Police, Sikkim Vigilance Police
2. Mr Anil Kumar Bagdas, Additional Secretary, Department of Personnel
3. Mr Prawin Lamichaney, Additional Superintendent of Police, Gangtok District
4. Dr Narpati Sharma, Scientific Officer, Science and Technology Department
5. Mr Rajiv Philip, Deputy Director (SCERT), Education Department
6. Mr Birkha Bahadur Gurung, Sub-Inspector, Excise Department
7. Mr La Dorjee Bhutia, Sub-Inspector, SP Office, Gyalshing, Sikkim Police
8. Ms Kamala Sharma, Head Assistant, Motor Vehicles Division, Transport Department
9. Mr Khem Lal Adhikari, Assistant Sub-Inspector, State Reserve Lines, Sikkim Police
10. Mr Tseten Tashi Bhutia, Supervisor, Rural Development Department
11. Mr Prafulla Chandra Burman, Electrician Supervisor, Lok Bhavan
The Letter of Appreciation to the war veteran was presented to Retired Naib Subedar Mr Kharka Bahadur Rai. He served in the Bengal Engineers Group and participated in Operation Riddle and Operation Cactus Lily during the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak Wars. He was awarded the Raksha Medal, Samar Seva Star, Sangram Medal and Poorvi Star for his service.
Letters of Appreciation were conferred upon the following:
1. 27 Mountain Division, Indian Army
2. Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Sikkim
3. Mr Ranjit Chamling, Senior Director, National Informatics Centre, Sikkim State Centre
Releases and launches were also held during the programme. These included:
1. Mero Alaichi, Mero Dhan by the Science and Technology Department
2. Mero School, Mero Abhiyan by the Education Department
3. Release of locally inspired flavoured dark chocolate by the Commerce and Industries Department
4. Unnayan Survey 2022 Report by DESME&E
On the occasion of Republic Day, the State received national recognition with the conferment of the President of India’s Police Colour on the Sikkim Police. The President of India, Ms Droupadi Murmu, approved the award in recognition of the service, discipline and dedication of the Sikkim Police to the nation. The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, conveyed the approval vide its communiqué No. 11019 dated 16 January 2026.The official communiqué was handed over to the Director General of Police, Sikkim, Mr Akshay Sachdeva.
Thereafter, the Governor and the Chief Minister visited the Army equipment display.
A band display by Sikkim Police Pipe Band and Army was also held.
The Cultural Programme included presentations by the Culture Department, Government of Sikkim, and guest performances of Gatka by the 15 Sikh Light Infantry, Army Martial Arts Routine by teams of the 3/11 Gorkha Rifles and 6/5 Gorkha Rifles, and Kalaripayattu by the 18 Madras Regiment.
The programme concluded with the National Anthem.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK