Sikkim Day at Delhi Secretariat: CM Rekha Gupta leads cultural celebration
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday, 18 May joined the Sikkim Day celebrations organised at the Delhi Secretariat, extending warm greetings to the people of Sikkim and the nation. The event, hosted by Sahitya Kala Parishad under the Department of Art, Culture, and Languages, brought the Himalayan state's rich folk traditions to the national capital.
Cultural Performances
A total of 10 artists captivated the audience with performances of traditional Sikkimese folk dances, including Singhi Chham, Khampa, Tamang Selo, and the Mask Dance. Through these presentations, themes of devotion towards nature and deities were vividly expressed, offering attendees an immersive glimpse into Sikkim's living heritage.
What Chief Minister Gupta Said
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta described Sikkim as 'a remarkable example of natural beauty, environmental conservation, and cultural diversity.' She highlighted that Sikkim, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, became India's first fully organic state by completely adopting organic farming — setting a new benchmark for environmental conservation nationwide.
Gupta added that Sikkim's contributions in education, tourism, environmental conservation, organic agriculture, and national security are 'highly inspiring,' and that the state has consistently conveyed a message of peace, development, and national unity.
Ek Bharat–Shreshtha Bharat Vision
Minister for Art, Culture, and Languages Kapil Mishra said the Delhi government is organising foundation day celebrations and festivals of all states in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Ek Bharat–Shreshtha Bharat'. He emphasised that such events promote the country's diverse cultural identity and help the younger generation connect with India's pluralistic heritage.
Statehood Day Celebrations in Gangtok
Separately, Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia on Saturday attended the 51st Statehood Day celebrations of Sikkim in Gangtok, where he participated in the inauguration and foundation stone-laying of 21 development projects worth ₹223 crore. The Gangtok event was attended by Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur, and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.
Addressing the gathering in Nepali, Scindia said that under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, Sikkim has emerged as a leading example of sustainable growth, organic agriculture, tourism-led development, and ecological stewardship. The dual celebrations — in both New Delhi and Gangtok — underline the Centre's continued focus on integrating the North-East into India's mainstream cultural and developmental narrative.