Mangan, January 26: (IPR) North Sikkim celebrated the 71st Republic Day in a grand manner with much patriotism, Chief Guest of the day Area MLA –cum- Minister for Roads & Bridges and Culture Affairs Department; Shri Samdup Lepcha unfurled the national flag followed by national anthem and guard of honour at Zilla Panchayat Bhawan complex, Pentok, North Sikkim.

The second session of the day commenced at the conference hall of NDZP Bhawan with the lighting of the lamp by the chief guest followed by a patriotic song performed by the student of North Sikkim Academy.

The programme attended amongst others by the Up-adhakshya, North, Shri Theney Bhutia, Sr. SP, North Shri Sonam Gyatso Bhutia, ADC/N, Shri Surat Gurung, ADC(Dev), Shri Somnath Adhikari, ASP/N, Shri Mahindra Subba, SDM. Mangan, Shri Karma Thupden Bhutia, Head of offices of the district, officers & staff, Teachers & students, panchayat members and local dignitaries.

Addressing the gathering on the 71st Republic Day Celebration the chief guest, Shri Lepcha extended his warmest Republic Day greeting to the gathering, simultaneously, he paid his rich tribute to the martyr of the country who sacrificed their lives for the country and made India a republic country. He talked about the importance of Republic Day and urged everyone to imbibe the significance of the republic day in their lives. Elucidating the meaning of the tri-colour Shri Lepcha called one and all to be honest, faithful, peaceful and courageous towards one’s own country.

Speaking on the overall developmental perspective of the state Government he sought people cooperation to take Sikkim into a new horizon of development and assured that the government shall work tirelessly for the development of the state and for the benefit of the public.

Lastly, Shri Lepcha asked the government employees of the district to work more efficiently and sincerely in the public interest.

The Message of Hon'ble Governor and Hon'ble Chief Minister of Sikkim were read out by ADC/N and SDM, Mangan respectively.

On the occasion, Chief Guest also handed over “Best District Employees Award” to Smt, Dawnu Lepcha, Data Operator, Education Department and Shri Ramesh Chettri, Plant Operator, Public Health Engineer Department.

Meanwhile, Nehru Yuva Kendra, Mangan also Felicitated ‘Sikkim Lepcha Youth Association, Dzongu Branch, Passingdang, North Sikkim’ in the area of social service with a certificate of Appreciation and cash incentives of Rs. 25000/-.

Besides this, the very day also witnessed the eye-catching cultural show. Earlier, ADC/N, Shri Gurung delivered the welcome address while vote of thanks was proposed and presented by ADC (Dev) Shri Adhikari.