News & Announcement
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Observed at Chintan Bhawan
Gangtok, October 31 (IPR): Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2026, commemorating the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India, was observed at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok, today, with a call to strengthen national unity, preserve indigenous languages and cultural heritage, and uphold the ideals of unity, integrity and public service.
The programme commenced with the arrival of the Chief Guest, Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Mr Mingma Norbu Sherpa, who was received by the Chief Secretary Mr R Telang and the Director General of Police (DGP) Mr Akshay Sachdeva. The Chief Guest subsequently inspected the Guard of Honour presented by Sikkim Police personnel.
The formal programme began with the lighting of butter lamps and the offering of khadas and garlands to the portrait of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel by the Chief Guest and other dignitaries as a mark of respect. This was followed by a welcome address by Secretary, Home Department, Mr Tenzing T. Kaleon, and the administration of the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Pledge by the Chief Guest, reaffirming the collective commitment to upholding the unity, integrity and security of the nation.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Mingma Norbu Sherpa paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and highlighted his monumental contribution to the integration of approximately 562 princely states following Independence, which laid a strong foundation for India's political unity and territorial integrity. He noted that Patel's legacy continues to inspire generations to rise above caste, religion and cultural differences. Referring to the 182-metre Statue of Unity in Gujarat, he described it as a fitting tribute to Patel's extraordinary contribution to the nation.
Sharing his experience of visiting the Statue of Unity, the Speaker reflected on the importance of humility and accountability in public life. He also highlighted the contributions of Patel's elder brother, Vithalbhai Jhaverbhai Patel, who became the first elected Indian President of the Central Legislative Assembly in 1925. Recalling Vithalbhai Patel's firm stand in safeguarding the dignity and independence of the Chair during British rule, he underscored the sacrifices made by both brothers in the service of the nation.
Emphasising the importance of unity in diversity, Mr Sherpa referred to initiatives under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang to promote traditional attire and cultural heritage. He highlighted the State Government's initiative encouraging people to wear traditional attire on Thursdays, as well as the practice in the Legislative Assembly of encouraging MLAs to wear their respective traditional dresses.
Expressing concern over the gradual decline in the use of indigenous languages among younger generations, the Speaker stressed that language, culture and traditional attire are vital elements of community identity. He urged parents and families to take an active role in ensuring that mother tongues are passed on to the next generation.
Concluding his address, the Speaker called upon the gathering to move beyond ceremonial tributes and draw practical lessons from the lives of great leaders by embracing unity, dedication and public service in their everyday lives. On behalf of the people and the Government of Sikkim, he paid his humble respects to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and extended greetings on the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
The programme also featured a patriotic duet by artists of the Culture Department, setting the tone for the subsequent proceedings. Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Culture Department, Mr Bhawani Ghimirey, delivered an address highlighting the life, contributions and enduring legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
In his address, Mr Ghimirey recalled Patel's pivotal role in India's freedom struggle and his historic contribution to the integration of over 560 princely states into the Indian Union. He highlighted Patel's role in strengthening the country's political unity and territorial integrity, as well as his contribution to building India's administrative framework. He underscored the values of decisive leadership, discipline and national service embodied by the Iron Man of India.
Highlighting Sikkim's rich cultural heritage, he noted that the traditions and identities of the Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali communities form an integral part of the State's distinct identity. He emphasised that preserving cultural heritage while upholding national unity is essential to nation-building, adding that collective responsibility, goodwill and mutual respect remain vital to building a united and prosperous India.
The programme continued with a group patriotic song presented by artists of the Culture Department, followed by the screening of a film on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel by the Information and Public Relations (IPR) Department, highlighting his remarkable contribution to India's unification and his enduring legacy.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Secretary, Home (Protocol), Ms Benu Gurung.
Among those present were Minister for Rural Development and Cooperation Departments, Mr Arun Kumar Upreti; Minister for Urban Development and Food and Civil Supplies Departments, Mr Bhoj Raj Rai; MLA-cum-Advisor to the Social Welfare, Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Departments, Ms Pamin Lepcha; Zilla Adhyaksha, Gangtok; Advisors to the Hon'ble Chief Minister; Deputy Mayor, Gangtok Municipal Corporation; Press Secretary to the Hon'ble Chief Minister; Additional Political Secretary, Gangtok; Heads of Departments; and officers and officials of the State Government.
The programme commenced with the arrival of the Chief Guest, Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Mr Mingma Norbu Sherpa, who was received by the Chief Secretary Mr R Telang and the Director General of Police (DGP) Mr Akshay Sachdeva. The Chief Guest subsequently inspected the Guard of Honour presented by Sikkim Police personnel.
The formal programme began with the lighting of butter lamps and the offering of khadas and garlands to the portrait of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel by the Chief Guest and other dignitaries as a mark of respect. This was followed by a welcome address by Secretary, Home Department, Mr Tenzing T. Kaleon, and the administration of the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Pledge by the Chief Guest, reaffirming the collective commitment to upholding the unity, integrity and security of the nation.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Mingma Norbu Sherpa paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and highlighted his monumental contribution to the integration of approximately 562 princely states following Independence, which laid a strong foundation for India's political unity and territorial integrity. He noted that Patel's legacy continues to inspire generations to rise above caste, religion and cultural differences. Referring to the 182-metre Statue of Unity in Gujarat, he described it as a fitting tribute to Patel's extraordinary contribution to the nation.
Sharing his experience of visiting the Statue of Unity, the Speaker reflected on the importance of humility and accountability in public life. He also highlighted the contributions of Patel's elder brother, Vithalbhai Jhaverbhai Patel, who became the first elected Indian President of the Central Legislative Assembly in 1925. Recalling Vithalbhai Patel's firm stand in safeguarding the dignity and independence of the Chair during British rule, he underscored the sacrifices made by both brothers in the service of the nation.
Emphasising the importance of unity in diversity, Mr Sherpa referred to initiatives under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang to promote traditional attire and cultural heritage. He highlighted the State Government's initiative encouraging people to wear traditional attire on Thursdays, as well as the practice in the Legislative Assembly of encouraging MLAs to wear their respective traditional dresses.
Expressing concern over the gradual decline in the use of indigenous languages among younger generations, the Speaker stressed that language, culture and traditional attire are vital elements of community identity. He urged parents and families to take an active role in ensuring that mother tongues are passed on to the next generation.
Concluding his address, the Speaker called upon the gathering to move beyond ceremonial tributes and draw practical lessons from the lives of great leaders by embracing unity, dedication and public service in their everyday lives. On behalf of the people and the Government of Sikkim, he paid his humble respects to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and extended greetings on the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
The programme also featured a patriotic duet by artists of the Culture Department, setting the tone for the subsequent proceedings. Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Culture Department, Mr Bhawani Ghimirey, delivered an address highlighting the life, contributions and enduring legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
In his address, Mr Ghimirey recalled Patel's pivotal role in India's freedom struggle and his historic contribution to the integration of over 560 princely states into the Indian Union. He highlighted Patel's role in strengthening the country's political unity and territorial integrity, as well as his contribution to building India's administrative framework. He underscored the values of decisive leadership, discipline and national service embodied by the Iron Man of India.
Highlighting Sikkim's rich cultural heritage, he noted that the traditions and identities of the Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali communities form an integral part of the State's distinct identity. He emphasised that preserving cultural heritage while upholding national unity is essential to nation-building, adding that collective responsibility, goodwill and mutual respect remain vital to building a united and prosperous India.
The programme continued with a group patriotic song presented by artists of the Culture Department, followed by the screening of a film on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel by the Information and Public Relations (IPR) Department, highlighting his remarkable contribution to India's unification and his enduring legacy.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Secretary, Home (Protocol), Ms Benu Gurung.
Among those present were Minister for Rural Development and Cooperation Departments, Mr Arun Kumar Upreti; Minister for Urban Development and Food and Civil Supplies Departments, Mr Bhoj Raj Rai; MLA-cum-Advisor to the Social Welfare, Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Departments, Ms Pamin Lepcha; Zilla Adhyaksha, Gangtok; Advisors to the Hon'ble Chief Minister; Deputy Mayor, Gangtok Municipal Corporation; Press Secretary to the Hon'ble Chief Minister; Additional Political Secretary, Gangtok; Heads of Departments; and officers and officials of the State Government.
