The Government of Sikkim has officially declared August 10 as “Aama Samman Diwas” (Mother’s Honour Day), to be observed annually in recognition of the immense contributions made by mothers to family, society, and the state. The announcement was made through a formal notification issued by Chief Secretary R. Telang, marking a unique initiative aimed at honouring motherhood in both spirit and practice.
The notification described mothers as central figures in shaping the lives of future generations through compassion, empathy, and deeply rooted values. Their silent sacrifices, emotional labour, and selfless devotion to raising responsible citizens, the government stated, are vital to community well-being and social progress. The observance of “Aama Samman Diwas” is intended to acknowledge these lifelong efforts and strengthen the state’s commitment to inclusive and compassionate governance.
Notably, August 10 already holds political significance in Sikkim’s modern history. Since 2018, it has been observed by the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) as “Jan Unmukti Diwas”, commemorating the release of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) from Rongyek prison after serving a one-year sentence in a corruption case. The day has since come to symbolise political resilience and the restoration of democratic leadership under the SKM regime.
In what is seen as a powerful and symbolic gesture, the state government has now integrated this political milestone with a deeply emotional and cultural observance. The dual celebration was proposed earlier by the SKM leadership to reflect the convergence of personal and political sacrifice. SKM Secretary General Arun Upreti remarked that the Chief Minister’s decision aims to blend “struggle and sacrifice—both political and maternal,” adding a humane dimension to what was previously a party-centric occasion.