Latest news with #Sikkimese


NDTV
3 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Sikkim's Unique Time Capsule 2025 To Leave A Message For Future Generation
Gangtok: The Himalayan state of Sikkim has launched a unique initiative in the form of a Time Capsule 2025 to mark five decades of statehood. The initiative is a landmark project of the Information & Public Relations Department of the Government of Sikkim which aims to preserve Sikkim's current essence- cultural, social, and developmental- for posterity. The time capsule is scheduled to be opened on May 16, 2075, while celebrating a century of statehood. The Sikkim Government says this initiative transcends a mere time capsule and it embodies Sikkim's journey and legacy for future generations adding that it's a testament of the state's pride, leaving an enduring legacy for future leaders, communities, and children to cherish and draw inspiration from. The Time Capsule 2025 will contain a diverse collection of artefacts, including, messages and letters from leaders and citizens, including handwritten notes from the Chief Minister, Governor, and school children, envisioning Sikkim's future. On the momentous occasion of the 50th State Day of Sikkim, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, and Governor Om Prakash Mathur initiated the process of adding to the Time Capsule 2025, at Paljor Stadium on May 16, 2025. The time capsule will contain a photographic archive of Sikkimese citizens in traditional attire to preserve their cultural identity. It will also include developmental documentation highlighting milestones in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and governance. Apart from this seeds for the future, including rare and endangered plant species, as part of the "Mero Rukh, Mero Santati" initiative along with rare cultural artefacts showcasing traditional knowledge, art, and practices of Sikkim's communities will also be included in the time capsule. The original time capsule burial site will be at Tashiling, Secretariat, Gangtok which remains a powerful symbol of Sikkim's governance and progress through the ages. A public display will be stationed at MG Marg showcasing a replica time capsule encased in transparent glass, allowing visitors to glimpse at its contents and understand the symbolism between the past and future. The Time Capsule 2025 has been curated by a multidisciplinary committee comprising government officials, historians, and community leaders. To encourage public participation, efforts will be made through school and community outreach programs. The time capsule is designed with climate resistance and airtight storage to ensure long-term preservation. It is crafted from 316L surgical-grade stainless steel, weighs 32 kg, and is engineered to preserve contents for over 50 years without degradation. The materials used for the preservation of artefacts include acid-free Paper (100 pcs) which prevents ink degradation and paper decay. The archival pen & ink stamp pad- is a fade-resistant writing tool with 50+ years of life. The archival CD/DVD- will have a 100-year lifespan and will be resistant to humidity & temperature. 2000cc oxygen absorbers (2000 cc) will remove oxygen to prevent decay along with silica gel (Industrial Grade) for moisture control and mylar bags will shield the documents from light and air. The Archival Envelopes are pH-stable storage for documents and glass seed vials will ensure airtight storage of seeds. Calcium Carbonate will be used to neutralise acidic buildup over time and the Archival Glue (pH-neutral) will ensure acid-free adhesive for document integrity.


The Print
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee appeals to Nepal to respect sanctity of Mt Kanchenjunga
According to SIBLAC, Mt Kanchenjunga is not merely a geographical landmark but a sacred entity, revered as a guardian deity by the Sikkimese people. In two separate letters addressed to Nepal's tourism minister and the NMA president, SIBLAC urged the authorities to reconsider their decision to allow a joint mountaineering expedition involving climbers from India and Nepal, which is scheduled to begin from Nepal on June 18 under the aegis of India's National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS). Gangtok, Jun 14 (PTI) The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) on Saturday appealed to the Nepal government and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) to immediately halt a planned expedition to Mt Kanchenjunga, citing the mountain's deep spiritual and cultural significance to the indigenous communities of Sikkim. The organisation noted that the mountain is central to the state's religious and cultural heritage, and is associated with annual prayers and ceremonies deeply rooted in local traditions. The letters further reference the 2001 notification by the Government of Sikkim, which banned mountaineering activities on the mountain out of respect for local beliefs. They also invoked provisions of Article 371F and Sikkim's special status within the Indian Constitution, emphasising the protection of indigenous customs and religious sentiments. SIBLAC warned that any expedition involving summiting Kanchenjunga, particularly from Nepal, could be perceived as a serious cultural violation, and called for the mountain to be treated with spiritual reverence rather than as a site for adventure tourism. The committee requested both governments to act with sensitivity and uphold the sacred status of the mountain. The appeal concluded with a request to halt the planned ascent and preserve the spiritual and environmental sanctity of the region, while respecting the sentiments of the Sikkimese people. SIBLAC had earlier urged the Sikkim government to enforce the standing prohibition on climbing Mt Kanchenjunga, citing the sacred status of the mountain and the legal protections already in place. It had condemned the summit attempt by a group of mountaineers in May. PTI COR ACD This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.


Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee appeals to Nepal to respect sanctity of Mt Kangchenjunga
Gangtok, The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee on Saturday appealed to the Nepal government and the Nepal Mountaineering Association to immediately halt a planned expedition to Mt Kangchenjunga, citing the mountain's deep spiritual and cultural significance to the indigenous communities of Sikkim. In two separate letters addressed to Nepal's tourism minister and the NMA president, SIBLAC urged the authorities to reconsider their decision to allow a joint mountaineering expedition involving climbers from India and Nepal, which is scheduled to begin from Nepal on June 18 under the aegis of India's National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports . According to SIBLAC, Mt Kangchenjunga is not merely a geographical landmark but a sacred entity, revered as a guardian deity by the Sikkimese people. The organisation noted that the mountain is central to the state's religious and cultural heritage, and is associated with annual prayers and ceremonies deeply rooted in local traditions. The letters further reference the 2001 notification by the Government of Sikkim, which banned mountaineering activities on the mountain out of respect for local beliefs. They also invoked provisions of Article 371F and Sikkim's special status within the Indian Constitution, emphasising the protection of indigenous customs and religious sentiments. SIBLAC warned that any expedition involving summiting Kangchenjunga, particularly from Nepal, could be perceived as a serious cultural violation, and called for the mountain to be treated with spiritual reverence rather than as a site for adventure tourism. The committee requested both governments to act with sensitivity and uphold the sacred status of the mountain. The appeal concluded with a request to halt the planned ascent and preserve the spiritual and environmental sanctity of the region, while respecting the sentiments of the Sikkimese people. SIBLAC had earlier urged the Sikkim government to enforce the standing prohibition on climbing Mt Kanchenjunga, citing the sacred status of the mountain and the legal protections already in place. It had condemned the summit attempt by a group of mountaineers in May.


United News of India
03-06-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Tamang thanks PM for support to rain-hit Sikkim
Gangtok, June 3 (UNI) Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Tuesday expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his concern following disastrous rains and landslides affecting the life of the Sikkimese, particularly in the terrainean north district. "On behalf of the people of Sikkim, I extend my heartiest gratitude for your kind concern and support regarding the landslide and flood situation in the state," the CM said after he received a call from the PMO enquiring about the natural calamity. "Our state administration remains fully committed to managing the situation and providing all necessary assistance to those affected. Thank you once again for your kind concern," Tamang said. UNI PC PRS


NDTV
29-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Working On 'Act East' Policy With An 'Act Fast' Approach: PM Modi
Gangtok: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday virtually addressed the 50th-anniversary celebrations of Sikkim's statehood, reaffirming his government's commitment to balanced regional development through the 'Act East' policy with an 'Act fast' approach. The celebration, titled Sikkim@50: Where Progress Meets Purpose and Nature Nurtures Growth, marked five decades since Sikkim became the 22nd state of India in 1975. Originally scheduled to attend the event in person in Gangtok, the Prime Minister had to address the gathering virtually from Bagdogra due to inclement weather. "I wanted to join you personally to celebrate the golden jubilee celebrations. I departed early in the morning from Delhi, however, I could only reach Bagdogra, but the weather did not allow me to go any further. However, it is nice to see such a magnificent scene in front of me, where people are everywhere," PM Modi said in his address. The Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for multiple key development projects during the virtual event. These include a 500-bedded district hospital worth over Rs 750 crore in Namchi district, a passenger ropeway at Sangachoeling in Pelling, Gyalshing district, and a statue of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Atal Amrit Udyan in Sangkhola, Gangtok district. Additionally, he released a commemorative coin, a souvenir coin, and a postage stamp to mark the occasion. Reflecting on Sikkim's journey, the Prime Minister said, "Fifty years ago, Sikkim chose a democratic future for itself. Along with its unique geography, the people of Sikkim embraced the Indian spirit. There was a belief that when every voice is heard and every right protected, equal opportunities for development will follow." "Today, I can say that the trust of every Sikkimese family has steadily strengthened and the country has witnessed the results in Sikkim's progress," he added. Lauding the state's balanced growth, he said, "In the last 50 years, Sikkim has become a model of nature and progress... Such stars have emerged from Sikkim who have illuminated India's sky." Reaffirming his inclusive development agenda, the Prime Minister stated, "When I first came to power in 2014, I gave the slogan of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'. To make India 'Viksit', it is necessary to do a balanced development of every state and region of the nation. Every state and region of India has its own speciality. Hence, our government has brought the North East to the centre of development. We are working on our 'Act East' policy with an 'Act fast' approach." The Prime Minister also referred to the recent Rising North East Summit held in New Delhi, where several industrialists and business leaders announced fresh investments for Sikkim, expected to boost local development and generate employment. The day marked a historic milestone in Sikkim's political evolution. On May 16, 1975, Sikkim transitioned from a monarchy to full statehood within the Indian Union following a referendum. The accession was accompanied by Article 371F, a special constitutional safeguard to preserve the state's unique ethnic identity, customs, and cultural traditions. Over the past five decades, Sikkim has become a model of sustainable development and eco-conscious governance, earning accolades for its green initiatives and environmental leadership. The state's government has planned a year-long celebration under the theme 'Sunaulo, Samriddha and Samarth Sikkim' to showcase its vibrant culture, rich traditions, and developmental milestones.