To mark 50 years of Sikkim’s Statehood and democratic journey, the Press Club of Sikkim (PCS), in collaboration with the Information and Public Relations (IPR) Department, hosted the ‘Sikkim@50: Golden Jubilee Conclave’ in Gangtok.
The conclave featured two key sessions. The first, on Sikkim’s integration with India while preserving its identity, included panellists like veteran journalist Kunal Sengupta and Chief Economic Advisor Mahendra P Lama, prominent journalist and Editor of EastMojo Karma Paljor. The session addressed Sikkim’s unique constitutional position under Article 371F on the topic “How far Sikkim has been integrated into the national mainstream in these 50 years while preserving its distinct identity?” moderated by journalist Pema Wangchuk.
The second session, “Invest in Sikkim: Tourism and the Mountain Economy” focused on investment opportunities, especially in tourism, green energy, organic farming, and IT. It featured speakers from the tourism and industry sectors like Vice President of Balwa Group, Ajoy Balkrishna, Journalist Jamal Shaikh, CS Rao, Additional Chief Secretary of Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim, Karma D Youtso, Secretary, Commerce & Industries Department, Government of Sikkim and was moderated by journalist Karma Paljor.
The event saw Governor Om Prakash Mathur as the chief guest and Chief Minister PS Golay as the chief patron. The conclave was also attended by Ministers Sonam Lama and NB Dahal, MP Indra Hang Subba, Gangtok MLA Delay Namgyal Barfungpa, and senior national and state journalists.
Governor Mathur congratulated PCS and IPR for organizing the conclave during a milestone year, calling it “a moment of pride and introspection.” He emphasized Sikkim’s strategic significance due to its borders with China, Nepal, and Bhutan, and highlighted development efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including improved air and road connectivity and enhanced regional focus since 2014.
Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba, in the valedictory session, praised the initiative and encouraged similar dialogues in educational institutions.
