Along with the rest of the country, the 60th Independence Day of India was celebrated with pomp and gaiety throughout the State.
In the state capital, Gangtok, the celebrations began with the hoisting of the tricolor in all government offices and institutions. The official ceremony was held at the Palzor Stadium of Gangtok where the Sikkim Chief Minister, Dr. Pawan Chamling unfurled the national flag and took the salute of the marching contingents which included the ITBP,SSB,SAP,IRBn,Sikkim Police,Civil Guards,NCC Scouts/Guides,Road Safety Platoon,Police Band & TNA School Band.
The Chief Minister inspected the marching Contingents in a ceremonial Open Vehicle .The Parade followed by Chief Minister's Speech and it reminded the people of the supreme sacrifices made by great freedom fighters such as Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chandra Bose, Jawaharlal Nehru ,L.D.Kazi and others. He added that the principles of secularism, social justice, equality and unity in diversity which were the motivating factors of the freedom’s struggle are rededicated on the auspicious day. Saying that maintaining peace, security and public order is the foremost duty of the government, he reiterated the government’s commitment in bringing about the amicable solution with regard to the issue faced by state.
In the area of development, Dr. Chamling said that the state too is on the path of progress with physical infrastructures being increased in the education, power, communication, water supply and health sectors. He added that implementation of policies and schemes such as the Total Literacy Campaign, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Mid Day Meal for children has improved the education scenario in the state. To foster the agrarian economy of the state, besides providing irrigation facilities, Dr. Chamling added that various projects have been taken under Technology Mission for commercial cultivation of horticulture crops like Orchids, roses and cardamom. He also called upon all the citizens to take a pledge to work together towards a just and prosperous society.
He also called upon all sections of the society to stand unitedly against forces of evil, both within and outside, and adopt a constructive attitude to strengthen the society and build a prosperous state. Later, the Chief Minister gave away the LD Kazi award for democratic movement,Meritorious Service Awards to 10-12 employees which included names like Santosh Pradhan,Durga Bahadur Chhetri,Tashi C. Bhutia,Phurba Tshering Lepcha,ShukhBahadur Subba,etc. . Dr.Chamling also presented certificate of appreciation and Jeewan Raksha Purashkar and The best parade Contingent Trophy.
The Awards ceremony was followed by Mass drill and Cultural programme by students of Schools from Gangtok, and concluding with A special cultural show of 71/2 minutes by Cultural Affairs & Heritage Department and a7 1/2 minute Talk from HRDD representative on the values which have emerged out of the freedom movement and inspired the subsequent generations to commemorate 150th Anniversary of1st War of the Independence 1857. The finals of Independence football tournament was played in afternoon session where Sikkim Sports Academy emerged as winner of finals.
