Gangtok, May 13: Sikkim marked the 50th anniversary of its statehood with the Sikkim@50 Golden Jubilee Conclave Celebrating 50 Years of Sikkim’s Statehood (1975–2025) held on Tuesday at a hotel in Adampul, Gangtok. The event was jointly organised by the Press Club of Sikkim (PCS) and the Information and Public Relations Department (IPRD), Government of Sikkim.

The inaugural session was attended by the Governor of Sikkim, Om Prakash Mathur, who in his address highlighted the state’s journey over five decades. He stressed the importance of celebrating achievements, addressing future challenges, and embracing innovation for sustained development. He also emphasised the role of national initiatives like the Vibrant Village Programme, Act East Policy, and enhanced infrastructure in the Northeast.

Focusing on future growth, the Governor spoke on the potential of sectors such as eco-tourism, organic farming, green energy, and creative industries to strengthen Sikkim’s economy while safeguarding its environment and culture. He welcomed the contributions of journalists, scholars, and policymakers in helping shape the vision for a “Sunaulo, Samriddha ani Samarth Sikkim.”

The conclave featured a thematic session on “How far Sikkim has been integrated into the national mainstream over the past 50 years while preserving its distinct identity,” moderated by senior journalist Pema Wangchuk. The panel included Professor Mahendra P Lama, Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of Sikkim, veteran journalist Kunal Sengupta, and senior journalist Karma Paljor.

Professor Lama discussed Sikkim’s historical merger with India and highlighted its progress in education, sports, and economic indicators. He stressed the need to preserve the state’s traditions and pass them on to future generations. Sengupta commended the evolution of the local media landscape, while Paljor underlined the value of regional storytelling in national media.

Among the dignitaries present were Minister Sonam Lama, MLA Delay Namgyal Barfungpa, Advisor to the Chief Minister K N Lepcha, Press Advisor C P Sharma, and Secretary IPRD Annapurna Alley. Members of PCS, the Journalist Union of Sikkim, PIB Gangtok, Doordarshan, and Akashvani also attended, along with officials from various institutions.

The event concluded with the presentation of mementoes to the panellists and a vote of thanks by PCS Publicity Secretary Pankaj Dhungel. A cultural performance by Flickers Dance Academy opened the programme.