Gangtok, October3, 2012:

143^rd Gandhi Jayanti celebration at Gangtok started with the offering of garland and khada to the bust of Mahatma Gandhi at MG Marg, Gangtok by the Governor of Sikkim Balmiki Prasad Singh and Chief Minister Pawam Chamling.

The Governor of Sikkim during his address at Chintan Bhawan said that as we celebrate Gandhi Jayanti today the world also is celebrating Gandhi Jayanti as International day of Non violence as per resolution passed by the United Nations. Citing various incidents of the life of Mahatma Gandhi His Excellency said that when asked to him about his message to the people Mahatma Gandhi had said “my life itself is a message”. Narrating various incidents of the life of Mahatma Gandhi His Excellency the Governor talked about the relevance of Mahatma Gandhi in the todays world. Citing various examples from his life, he said that the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi is very much relevant today as well. Linking the teaching of Mahatma Gandhi to the people of Sikkim His Excellency said that the people of Sikkim are natural inheritance to Gandhi philosophy of non violence.

The Chief Minister during his address while talking about the relevance of Mahatma Gandhi said that the entire humanity should vigorously pursue and follow the Gandhian philosophy of non violence in every day life. Talking about the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi the Chief Minister said that the generations fo leaders from different nations including the Africal nations has been greatly inspired by Gandhi, to attain their own salvation. Because of his teachings he emerged as the tallest leader of not only India but the whole world. He further added that following the Gandhian prescription, the state government has earmarked 70 percent of the state plan for rural development for the upliftment of rural population. Under the Gandhian phiolosophy of gram swaraj, the state has fully implemented the 73^rd and 74^th Amendment Acts of the Constitution to elect representatives at the urban and rural Sikkim. Power decentralization and devolution to transfer power to the village people have also been fully undertaken, he said. In this way easy access to the village administration at the doorstep of village people to serve the people have been ensured, he added.

During his address the Chief Minister also urged everyone to participate and cooperate fully to successful hold panchayat elections and elect village representatives in Sikkim. The newly elected panchayats will be empowered through series of trainings with the best resources available countrywide, he said.

The Gandhi Jayanti celebration at Chintan Bhawan started with lightning of auspicious lamp followed by Ramdhun and patriotic songs by the students of various schools and prayers by priests of various religions.

The programme also included release of book titled “Introduction to Buddhism” which is a teachings of HH The Dalai Lama in Nepali published by Ecclesiastical Affairs Department, Government of Sikkim.

The Governor of Sikkim also gave away the Best Aaganwadi Worker Award for the year 2010 to Miss Indra Maya Kalikoti, Aaganwadi worker of ICDS Namin and Best Aaganwadi worker Award 2011 to Puspa Sharma of Karthok ICDS Centre. The award carries a citation, certificate and cash award of Rs. 5000/-. He also handed over the presentation to the safaikarmacharis of Gangtok Municipal Corporation for keeping the Gangtok town clean which has been sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, Gangtok.

 

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