Gangtok, July 31 (IPR): An official function was held at Ashirvad Hall, Lok Bhawan, this afternoon to mark the completion of two years in office by Governor Mr Om Prakash Mathur.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Mr Om Prakash Mathur expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of Sikkim. He said the warmth and hospitality extended by the people of the State had surpassed even that of his home region. Reflecting on his journey in public life since 1972, he said he had always believed in remaining close to the people and had consistently visited Gram Panchayat Units (GPUs) to interact directly with villagers.
To mark the completion of two years in office, the Governor announced an initiative to honour district academic toppers. He noted with pride that five of the six toppers were young women, describing it as a reflection of women's empowerment in the State.
Sharing his personal journey, the Governor recalled growing up in a small village and choosing a life of public service. He also lauded Sikkim's pioneering achievement as a fully organic State despite its small landholdings and appreciated its unique environmental initiative of planting 108 trees to celebrate the birth of every child.
He further commended the State's peaceful environment, low crime rate, efficient policing and strong social harmony.
Concluding his address, the Governor thanked the people of Sikkim and reaffirmed his commitment to continue working in close coordination with the Government for the State's overall development.
Earlier, the programme commenced with a welcome address delivered by Joint Secretary, Lok Bhawan, Mr Diwas Gautam.
Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly Mr MN Sherpa congratulated Governor Mr Om Prakash Mathur on completing two successful years in office. Speaking on behalf of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister and the people of Sikkim, he commended the Governor's visionary leadership, commitment to environmental conservation and support for the border security forces.
He highlighted the Governor's efforts in transforming Lok Bhawan into an accessible, public-centred institution and expressed gratitude for his continued guidance towards peace, cultural preservation, sustainable development and good governance in the State.
Minister for Ecclesiastical, Public Health Engineering and Water Resources Department Mr Sonam Lama congratulated the Governor on completing two years in office and appreciated his guidance.
Highlighting Sikkim's natural beauty, peaceful environment and growing national recognition, Mr Sonam Lama said that under the leadership of Governor Mr Om Prakash Mathur and Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang, the State was progressing steadily towards achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 well ahead of schedule.
Minister for Cooperation, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Departments Mr Arun Kumar Upreti congratulated the Governor on completing two years in office. He praised the Governor's humility, dedication to public service and initiatives to develop Lok Bhawan into a centre for social harmony, youth development and cultural promotion while maintaining close coordination with Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang.
Founder and Chairman of the International Meditation Foundation, Santa Monica, USA, Mahamandaleshwar Swami Advaitananda Giri delivered a discourse on spirituality and human values.
Speaking on the two paths of sannyas, he said one path was to live in the Himalayas in isolation, while the other was to serve society selflessly. Referring to Governor Mr Om Prakash Mathur as an example, he said serving people was also a path to spiritual fulfilment. He described Sikkim as one of India's happiest States. He also said that as artificial intelligence continues to advance rapidly, it is equally important to uphold human values and holistic development.
Secretary to the Governor, Lok Bhawan, Mr Jitendra Singh Raje presented an overview of the Governor's achievements over the past two years. The presentation highlighted the adoption of Chungthang village, promotion of border tourism, improvement of Army infrastructure, electrification of border villages, support for local entrepreneurs and sports, initiatives for women's empowerment and education, and visits by national dignitaries that contributed to the State's development.
The event also featured cultural performances by artistes from the Culture Department, representing the Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali communities.
A felicitation ceremony was also held, during which Governor Mr Om Prakash Mathur, Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly Mr MN Sherpa, Deputy Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly Ms Raj Kumari Thapa, and Secretary to the Governor, Lok Bhawan, Mr Jitendra Singh Raje presented awards to distinguished individuals.
The honourees included Class X district toppers, VVIP security personnel, STDC personnel from Bagdogra and Burtuk Helipad, progressive farmers, staff of Lok Bhawan and sanitation personnel in recognition of their dedicated service and contributions.
The programme concluded with the Vote of Thanks delivered by Hindi Advisor to Lok Bhawan and faculty member of Sikkim University, Dr Pradeep Tripathi.
The event was anchored by Ms Mamta Awasthy, PRO to the Governor, who served as the Master of Ceremonies.
The programme was also attended by Minister for Education, Sports and Youth Affairs, and Law and Parliamentary Affairs Department Mr Raju Basnet, Minister for Urban Development and Food and Civil Supplies Departments Mr Bhoj Raj Rai, Minister for Printing and Stationery, Social Welfare and Women and Child Development Departments Mr Samdup Lepcha, Minister for Roads and Bridges Department Mr NB Dahal, MLA-cum-Advisor for Urban Development and Food and Civil Supplies Departments Mr Delay Namgyal Barfungpa, senior officials of the Government, Police personnel, Zilla Adhyakshas, staff of Lok Bhawan, and other dignitaries.