Sikkim

21 May

Sikkim’s Khangchendzonga reserve hosts Nepal’s high-level conservation delegation

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A high-level delegation from Nepal began a three-day knowledge exchange visit to Sikkim’s Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve (KBR) on Monday to learn from the state’s acclaimed conservation efforts. The visit, spanning from May 20 to 22, was facilitated by UNESCO’s Regional Office in New Delhi and Nepal-based NGO Smrida Pahad in coordination with Sikkim’s Forest Department. The Nepalese team aims to replicate the success of KBR, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016 and a Biosphere Reserve in 2018, for its own Khangchendzonga Conservation Area. The delegates are studying Sikkim’s advanced park management techniques, including camera traps, real-time…

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20 May

19 including 2 women candidates held in Sikkim for cheating during NVS recruitment exam

Mohini BarmanSikkim

Police detained 19 candidates for allegedly using sophisticated electronic communication devices to cheat during the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) Non-Teaching Recruitment Examination. The incident occurred on Sunday at Sir Tashi Namgyal Senior Secondary School in Gangtok. According to officials, 17 men and 2 women were apprehended at the examination venue after they were found in possession of discreet communication gadgets aimed at facilitating cheating. The devices were reportedly used to seek outside assistance during the examination. All 17 male candidates have been formally arrested, and an FIR has been filed under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the…

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19 May

PM Modi is thanked by BJP Sikkim for commemorating the Rs 50 commemorative coin

Banasree SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim branch of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expressed its sincere appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government for commemorating the golden jubilee of Sikkim's membership in the Indian Union (1975–2025) with a commemorative silver coin worth Rs 50. "The coin's issuance is much more than a symbolic gesture—it is a reaffirmation of Sikkim's unique cultural identity and its proud journey as an inseparable part of India," said BJP Sikkim, which described the move as a historic homage. Such commemorative mementos, the party stressed, reinforce the sense of unity and diversity in the country and…

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17 May

Governor, CM lead Sikkim’s 50th statehood day festivities

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim marked 50 years of statehood with a vibrant celebration at Paljor Stadium, commemorating five decades of remarkable progress and envisioning a bright future. The event was graced by Governor Om Prakash Mathur, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, and other dignitaries. The day began with a ceremonial parade featuring contingents from the Sikkim Armed Police, Infantry Regiments, and Forest and Home Guards. The Governor and Chief Minister received full honors amid enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. Key highlights included the lighting of butter lamps and offerings to the portrait of revered leader L.D. Kazi, symbolizing respect for Sikkim’s heritage. The…

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16 May

Sikkim marks 50 years in Indian Union

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim marked a historic milestone on Thursday as it celebrated 50 years of statehood, with Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang paying tribute to the state’s journey from a tranquil Himalayan kingdom to a vibrant and progressive state within the Indian Union. Addressing a large gathering at Manan Kendra in Gangtok, CM Tamang delivered a rousing speech, reaffirming his government’s commitment to progress, inclusivity, and preservation of Sikkim’s distinct identity.“We inherited a legacy, now we build a future,” said Tamang. He lauded the people of Sikkim for their resilience and unity over the past five decades and pledged that the next…

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14 May

Sikkim’s Butterthon blends biodiversity and statehood celebration

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

In a unique and colorful tribute to the 50th anniversary of Sikkim’s statehood, the Butterfly Society of Sikkim–TPCF has launched the state’s first-ever "Butterthon." The event, which began on May 1 and runs until May 16, is a celebration of Sikkim’s rich biodiversity, with participants engaging in a peaceful race to spot butterflies across the state. The Butterthon is not about speed but about appreciating nature as participants explore the diverse butterfly habitats spread across Sikkim. From lush forests to high-altitude meadows, this event invites enthusiasts to document and observe various butterfly species. The event has attracted participants from across…

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13 May

Art of Living’s Gangtok event promotes mental well-being in children

Banasree SarkarSikkim

A four-day children’s programme called the “Intuition Process” was successfully conducted at the Art of Living Centre in Tadong, Gangtok, from May 9 to 12. Organised by the Art of Living Foundation, the event aimed to boost confidence, focus, and clarity in young minds. Led by senior trainer Amit Dhanuka, with support from local teachers Sangay Bhutia and Bhushan Rai, the sessions taught children how to develop their natural intuition through safe, simple techniques rooted in ancient Vedic practices. On the final day, parents joined the programme and were visibly moved by their children's progress. Many said they noticed positive…

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12 May

50 years of unity and growth, Sikkim to host landmark celebration

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim government, in collaboration with the Press Club of Sikkim, will host the Sikkim@50: Golden Jubilee Conclave 1975–2025 at Adampool, Gangtok to commemorate 50 years of Sikkim's statehood. The conclave, jointly organised by the Information and Public Relations (IPR) Department and the Press Club, aims to highlight Sikkim’s journey since joining the Indian Union in 1975, state officials confirmed. Press Club of Sikkim president Bhim Rawat said the event will bring together distinguished personalities to reflect on the state’s evolution and deliberate on its future, including investment opportunities in key sectors. “This conclave will be a platform to showcase…

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10 May

₹2.25 crore approved for rail survey to connect West Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

In a major boost to Sikkim’s connectivity, the Ministry of Railways has sanctioned the Final Location Survey (FLS) for a proposed 75-km railway line between Melli and Dentam via Jorethang and Legship. The Centre has allocated ₹2.25 crore for the project, with the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) tasked with conducting the survey. The move follows a formal proposal submitted by Sikkim MP Indra Hang Subba in December 2024. Thanking Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for his support, Subba said the project would be “transformative for West Sikkim,” connecting remote regions and accelerating development. The planned rail line is seen as a…

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09 May

Union government urged to reform 1949 Bodhgaya Temple Act

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Minister for Ecclesiastical Affairs, Sonam Lama, has called on the Union Government to intervene in the ongoing dispute surrounding the Bodhgaya Temple Act (BTA) of 1949. Lama urged the Centre to address the concerns of the global Buddhist community, which has been demanding amendments to the Act governing the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, Bihar. In a letter dated April 1 and addressed to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Lama expressed "deep concern" over the lack of representation for Buddhists in the temple’s administration. “The Buddhist community worldwide has long awaited justice regarding the governance and rightful representation at Bodhgaya,” he…

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