Sikkim Statehood Day: May 16

Sikkim joined the Union of India on May 16, 1975. Since then, every year the Sikkim Statehood Day is celebrated on May 16.

History

In 1950, the Indo-Sikkimese treaty was signed. With this, Sikkim became a protectorate of India. The Namgyal dynasty ruled Sikkim till 1975.

About Sikkim

Sikkim is the first state in the country to become 100% organic. Today all farming activities in Sikkim are carried out without the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.

Kanchenjunga National Park, a World Heritage Site is located in Sikkim.

River Teesta is the major river flowing in the state. The tributaries of Teesta are Lhonak, Lachung and Talung. Teesta river is a tributary of Brahmaputra.

Annexation and Statehood

In 1975. the Sikkim Prime Minister appealed to India for Sikkim to join Union of India. Following this, the Indian Army took over the city of Gangtok and the palace guards of Chogyal palace were disarmed. A referendum was held in which 97.5% supported to join India abolishing the monarchy.

The Indian Parliament laid down conditions in its 35^th amendment that made Sikkim an “Associate State”. Sikkim is the only state to get this designation. The 36^th amendment repealed the 35^th amendment and made Sikkim a full state.

Ethnicity of Sikkim

The residents of Sikkim are of Nepali origin. The native Sikkimese consist of Bhutias. They migrated from Tibet in the 14^th century. The Lepchas lived before the Bhutias.

The Tibetans resided mostly in the northern and eastern parts of the state.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2021