Sikkim Statehood Day 2025: VP Radhakrishnan marks 51st anniversary in Gangtok
Synopsis
On his maiden visit to Sikkim, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan attended the state's 51st Statehood Day in Gangtok — reaching by road after adverse weather grounded his Army helicopter. The visit, marked by a Guard of Honour, traditional Lepcha hat gifting, and vibrant cultural performances, spotlighted Sikkim's distinct heritage on a national stage.
Key Takeaways
Radhakrishnan attended Sikkim's 51st Statehood Day in Gangtok on 16 May 2025 — his maiden visit to the state.
Adverse weather grounded his Army helicopter from Bagdogra ; he travelled by road via National Highway-10 , reaching Rangpo at 11.30 am .
He was received by Governor Om Prakash Mathur and Chief Minister Prem Singh Golay at Lok Bhawan .
CM Prem Singh Tamang gifted the Vice President the traditional Lepcha hat 'Sumok Thyaktuk' .
Tributes were paid to Lhendup Dorji Khangsarpa , Sikkim's first Chief Minister, at the Manan Kendra programme.
Cultural performances included the patriotic Sikkimese song 'Jaha Bagcha Teesta Rangeet' .
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Saturday, 16 May 2025, attended Sikkim's 51st Statehood Day celebrations in Gangtok, marking his maiden visit to the Himalayan state. He was accorded a ceremonial welcome and participated in cultural events commemorating Sikkim's journey as the 22nd state of India.
Road Route After Weather Forces Helicopter Cancellation
Radhakrishnan's travel plans were disrupted by inclement weather. The Army helicopter that was to ferry him from Bagdogra airport to Gangtok was grounded due to poor visibility and adverse conditions over the region. The Vice President instead travelled by road via National Highway-10, reaching the Rangpo border checkpost at around 11.30 am before proceeding to Lok Bhawan in Gangtok.
Ceremonial Welcome and Key Dignitaries
At Lok Bhawan, the Vice President was received by Governor Om Prakash Mathur and Chief Minister Prem Singh Golay. Sikkim Legislative Assembly Speaker M.N. Sherpa, Deputy Speaker Raj Kumari Thapa, Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba, cabinet ministers, and senior officials were also present. Radhakrishnan was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour by the Sikkim Armed Police.
Statehood Day Programme at Manan Kendra
The main programme was held at Manan Kendra, where dignitaries lit a ceremonial lamp and paid floral tributes to Lhendup Dorji Khangsarpa, the first Chief Minister of Sikkim. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang presented the Vice President with the traditional Lepcha hat 'Sumok Thyaktuk' as a mark of cultural respect and honour.
Cultural Performances Reflect Sikkim's Heritage
The celebrations featured vibrant performances by communities across the state, including traditional dances and renditions of the patriotic Sikkimese song 'Jaha Bagcha Teesta Rangeet'. The cultural showcase underscored Sikkim's identity of unity in diversity. This comes amid the state's continued efforts to highlight its distinct cultural heritage on national platforms. Notably, this is Radhakrishnan's first official visit to Sikkim since assuming the office of Vice President.
Point of View
Which merged with India in 1975, remains geopolitically sensitive given its borders with China, Nepal, and Bhutan. That Radhakrishnan's helicopter was grounded and he still completed the visit by road signals a deliberate commitment to the occasion. What is worth watching is whether this visit translates into concrete Centre-state engagement on Sikkim's infrastructure and connectivity gaps — issues that matter far more to residents than ceremonial lamp-lighting. The cultural emphasis, including the 'Sumok Thyaktuk' gifting, is a soft-power gesture toward Sikkim's indigenous communities at a time when questions of identity and representation remain live in the state.
NationPress
2 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Vice President Radhakrishnan travel by road to Gangtok?
His scheduled Army helicopter from Bagdogra airport was cancelled due to poor visibility and adverse weather conditions over the region. He instead travelled by road via National Highway-10, reaching Gangtok after crossing the Rangpo border checkpost at around 11.30 am.
What is Sikkim's 51st Statehood Day?
Sikkim's Statehood Day marks the state's formal merger with India on 16 May 1975, when it became the country's 22nd state. The 51st edition of the anniversary was celebrated on 16 May 2025 with official programmes, cultural events, and tributes to the state's founding leaders.
What is the 'Sumok Thyaktuk' presented to the Vice President?
The 'Sumok Thyaktuk' is a traditional hat worn by the Lepcha community, one of Sikkim's indigenous groups. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang presented it to Vice President Radhakrishnan as a mark of cultural respect and honour during the Statehood Day celebrations.
Who was honoured at the Statehood Day programme?
Dignitaries paid floral tributes to Lhendup Dorji Khangsarpa, the first Chief Minister of Sikkim, at the Manan Kendra programme. A ceremonial lamp was also lit in his memory as part of the official observance.
Was this Vice President Radhakrishnan's first visit to Sikkim?
Yes, according to reports, the 16 May 2025 visit was Radhakrishnan's maiden official visit to Sikkim since assuming the office of Vice President of India.
