News & Announcement
Chief Minister Graces Grand Finale of State-Level Golden Competitions at 71st Maghey Sankranti Mela
Namchi, Jan 20(IPR): The 71st Maghey Sankranti Mela, which entered its seventh day, witnessed the Grand Finale of the State Level Competitions - Golden Voice of Sikkim, Golden Feet of Sikkim, and Golden Beat of Sikkim held at the Jorethang Playground today.
The Chief Minister of Sikkim Mr Prem Singh Tamang, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and was accompanied by Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, the Political Advisor to the Chief Minister, the Press Secretary to the Chief Minister, Advisors, Chairpersons, various Heads of Departments, and other dignitaries
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister stressed on the importance of flagship talent platforms such as Golden Feet of Sikkim, Golden Beat of Sikkim, and Golden Voice of Sikkim, stating that these competitions have been conceptualised to identify, encourage and empower young talents from the state. He announced that all three events will be organised every year, assuring full government support to strengthen the field of art, music, dance and sports. Expressing optimism, he said that such state-level platforms can serve as stepping stones for participants to compete at national and international levels.
Reiterating the government’s focus on sports development, the Chief Minister assured continued support through the provision of improved sports infrastructure and facilities for sportspersons across Sikkim. He also reaffirmed the continuation of key welfare initiatives including the Chief Minister Medical Assistance Scheme (CMMAS), Chief Minister Scholarship Scheme (CMSS), and schemes aimed at the upliftment of entrepreneurship, youth and women.
Emphasising the need to preserve Sikkim’s diverse traditions and cultures, he urged the people to safeguard local culture and tradition, so that they remain alive for future generations. He appealed to citizens to frequently wear traditional attire, stating that this would inspire the younger generation and help pass on cultural values.
The Chief Minister further stated that events like Maghey Sankranti Mela celebrations not only promote unity and culture but also provide economic benefits to locals. He assured that such initiatives would continue to receive priority support from the government. He also acknowledged other major cultural initiatives, like Kalakar Bharosa Sammelan, to honour and support local talents.
Encouraging the contestants, the Chief Minister motivated them to remain confident and persistent, advising those who may not secure positions this year to return stronger in the coming editions. He assured that winners would be selected fairly by the judges.
Lastly, he also informed the gathering that the Sikkim Police had been honoured with the prestigious President's Colour Award for which he congratulated and appreciated the entire police force for their achievement and service. It is to be mentioned here that the President's Colour Award is the highest honour bestowed upon a military or police unit in India, recognising exceptional service to the nation.
During the course of the programme, the Chief Minister, Mr Prem Singh Tamang, was felicitated by the Golden Competition Organising Committee and Association of 21 Communities of Sikkim for his unwavering support to the committee and his dedicated efforts towards promoting performing arts in the state.
Further, a total of 5 beneficaries, including individuals along with religious and educational institutions, were also provided with assistance through cheques through the Chief Minister's Discretionary Grant Scheme. Likewise, a total of 11 individuals, from different regions and constituencies of the state, were also provided assistance through cheques for their various entrepreneurial venture through Chief Minister's Self-Employment Assistance Scheme. The cheques were handed over to the beneficiaries by the Chief Minister during the course of the day's programme.
Accordingly, under the aegis Mero Rukh, Mero Santati (MRMS), a flagship programme of the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Ms Drishti Tamang, resident of Jorethnag, was also handed over a passbook under Sikkim Sishu Samridhi Yojana by the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Mr Prem Singh Tamang. The account holds a deposited amount of ₹10,800 under her name.
Similarly, the CM handed over tokens of appreciation to a total of 26 teachers of the Chief Minister’s Coaching Programme for the 2024–25 in Namchi, in recognition of their dedication to guiding students, enhancing the quality of education, and contributing to successful academic results.
An Economic Analysis Report of Maghey Sankranti Mela 2026, was also narrated by the General Secretary of the Maghey Mela Organising Committee, Mr Bishal Mukhia and later a copy of the report was submitted to the Chief Minister. It can be mentioned here that the report presented to the Chief Minister holds economic records of the Maghey Sankranti Mela till the date of 19th January, 2026 and a full report shall be made available after the final day of the festival.
Likewise, 11th All India Chief Minister's Gold Cup Football Tournament Trophy was also unveiled during the occasion. The tournament is scheduled to culminate with its final match on 22nd January.
The Chief Minister of Sikkim Mr Prem Singh Tamang, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and was accompanied by Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, the Political Advisor to the Chief Minister, the Press Secretary to the Chief Minister, Advisors, Chairpersons, various Heads of Departments, and other dignitaries
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister stressed on the importance of flagship talent platforms such as Golden Feet of Sikkim, Golden Beat of Sikkim, and Golden Voice of Sikkim, stating that these competitions have been conceptualised to identify, encourage and empower young talents from the state. He announced that all three events will be organised every year, assuring full government support to strengthen the field of art, music, dance and sports. Expressing optimism, he said that such state-level platforms can serve as stepping stones for participants to compete at national and international levels.
Reiterating the government’s focus on sports development, the Chief Minister assured continued support through the provision of improved sports infrastructure and facilities for sportspersons across Sikkim. He also reaffirmed the continuation of key welfare initiatives including the Chief Minister Medical Assistance Scheme (CMMAS), Chief Minister Scholarship Scheme (CMSS), and schemes aimed at the upliftment of entrepreneurship, youth and women.
Emphasising the need to preserve Sikkim’s diverse traditions and cultures, he urged the people to safeguard local culture and tradition, so that they remain alive for future generations. He appealed to citizens to frequently wear traditional attire, stating that this would inspire the younger generation and help pass on cultural values.
The Chief Minister further stated that events like Maghey Sankranti Mela celebrations not only promote unity and culture but also provide economic benefits to locals. He assured that such initiatives would continue to receive priority support from the government. He also acknowledged other major cultural initiatives, like Kalakar Bharosa Sammelan, to honour and support local talents.
Encouraging the contestants, the Chief Minister motivated them to remain confident and persistent, advising those who may not secure positions this year to return stronger in the coming editions. He assured that winners would be selected fairly by the judges.
Lastly, he also informed the gathering that the Sikkim Police had been honoured with the prestigious President's Colour Award for which he congratulated and appreciated the entire police force for their achievement and service. It is to be mentioned here that the President's Colour Award is the highest honour bestowed upon a military or police unit in India, recognising exceptional service to the nation.
During the course of the programme, the Chief Minister, Mr Prem Singh Tamang, was felicitated by the Golden Competition Organising Committee and Association of 21 Communities of Sikkim for his unwavering support to the committee and his dedicated efforts towards promoting performing arts in the state.
Further, a total of 5 beneficaries, including individuals along with religious and educational institutions, were also provided with assistance through cheques through the Chief Minister's Discretionary Grant Scheme. Likewise, a total of 11 individuals, from different regions and constituencies of the state, were also provided assistance through cheques for their various entrepreneurial venture through Chief Minister's Self-Employment Assistance Scheme. The cheques were handed over to the beneficiaries by the Chief Minister during the course of the day's programme.
Accordingly, under the aegis Mero Rukh, Mero Santati (MRMS), a flagship programme of the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Ms Drishti Tamang, resident of Jorethnag, was also handed over a passbook under Sikkim Sishu Samridhi Yojana by the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Mr Prem Singh Tamang. The account holds a deposited amount of ₹10,800 under her name.
Similarly, the CM handed over tokens of appreciation to a total of 26 teachers of the Chief Minister’s Coaching Programme for the 2024–25 in Namchi, in recognition of their dedication to guiding students, enhancing the quality of education, and contributing to successful academic results.
An Economic Analysis Report of Maghey Sankranti Mela 2026, was also narrated by the General Secretary of the Maghey Mela Organising Committee, Mr Bishal Mukhia and later a copy of the report was submitted to the Chief Minister. It can be mentioned here that the report presented to the Chief Minister holds economic records of the Maghey Sankranti Mela till the date of 19th January, 2026 and a full report shall be made available after the final day of the festival.
Likewise, 11th All India Chief Minister's Gold Cup Football Tournament Trophy was also unveiled during the occasion. The tournament is scheduled to culminate with its final match on 22nd January.
