New Delhi, May 18 (IANS) A cultural programme was organised at the Delhi Secretariat on Monday to celebrate Sikkim Day. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta extended greetings to the people of the state and the nation on the occasion.​

The audience was enthralled by captivating performances of Sikkimese folk dances, including Singhi Chham, Khampa, Tamang Selo, and Mask Dance, said a statement​

Through these performances, devotion towards nature and deities was beautifully expressed. A total of 10 artists delivered remarkable performances during the musical and cultural presentation.​

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that Sikkim is a remarkable example of natural beauty, environmental conservation, and cultural diversity.​

Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, the state became India’s first fully organic state by completely adopting organic farming, thereby setting a new benchmark for environmental conservation in the country, she said.​

She said that Sikkim has always conveyed the message of peace, development, and national unity.​

The Chief Minister said that Sikkim’s contributions in areas such as education, tourism, environmental conservation, organic agriculture, and national security are highly inspiring.​

The programme held at the Delhi Secretariat showcased Sikkim’s folk culture, traditions, and its development journey. Those present appreciated the cultural glimpses and the state’s national contributions.​

Minister for Art, Culture, and Languages Kapil Mishra said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Gupta and in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Ek Bharat–Shreshtha Bharat’, the Delhi government is organising foundation day celebrations and festivals of all states.​

He said these events are promoting the country’s diverse cultural identity and helping the younger generation become aware of it.​

The programme at the Secretariat on Monday was organised by Sahitya Kala Parishad under the Department of Art, Culture, and Languages.​

Earlier, Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia, on Saturday, participated in the 51st Statehood Day celebrations of Sikkim in Gangtok and joined the inauguration and foundation stone-laying ceremonies for 21 development projects worth Rs 223 crore.​

The celebrations were 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 the leadership of PM Modi, Sikkim has emerged as a leading example of sustainable growth, organic agriculture, tourism-led development, and ecological stewardship.​

–IANS

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