15/08/2025
Message on Independence Day
As we celebrate the 79th Independence Day of our great nation, I extend my warmest greetings to the people of Sikkim and to fellow citizens across India. On this historic day in 1947, India emerged from nearly two centuries of British colonial rule. Our independence was hard-earned—achieved through the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering determination of countless freedom fighters. Today, we remember and honour their legacy, which granted us the right to live as a free people and shape our collective destiny as a nation.
In less than a century, India has made remarkable progress. We stand today as an economic powerhouse with the fourth-largest economy in the world. Our presence on the global stage—both politically and economically—is steadily expanding. With a growing, skilled workforce, India is poised to become a global leader. However, as we celebrate our achievements, we must also confront the many challenges that still lie ahead.
India is a sovereign, democratic republic governed by a Constitution that enshrines the values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. The Preamble declares our nation to be secular—an ideal we must protect with unwavering commitment. In recent times, growing divisions along religious lines threaten the very foundation of our Republic. Despite dire predictions that India’s incredible diversity would be its undoing, we have shown the world that unity in diversity is not only possible—it is our greatest strength. Therefore, we must protect this diversity and celebrate it as a source of our strength, not condemn it as a weakness.
As a federal nation, we continue to face issues that undermine the core principles of federalism. The Indian Constitution provides specific rights and protections to special category states, for example the North Eastern states. In Sikkim’s case, Article 371F was enshrined within the Constitution as a fundamental condition of our democratic merger with the Indian Union in 1975. This article safeguards the special rights, provisions and the unique identity of the Sikkimese people. Sadly, in recent years, these protections have been diluted and violated. We must therefore protect the sanctity of the Constitution. It is the constitutional duty of the Central Government to uphold and protect the spirit of federalism. The repeated erosion of Article 371F undermines the trust that formed the basis of Sikkim’s merger with India.
Moreover, according to Article 246 of the Constitution, states have legislative autonomy over certain subjects in the State List. However, Sikkim today faces a breakdown in law and order, rampant corruption, and a failure to safeguard public life and property. The MCX scam is one such glaring example of corruption on a national scale. These developments are deeply concerning, especially in a sensitive border state like Sikkim. As we mark 50 years of our statehood, it is disheartening to witness this period as perhaps the most challenging in our history. In such circumstances, the Centre must ensure that the state is governed in line with the principles of justice and accountability.
Nationally, while India’s economic and diplomatic progress is undeniable, our society continues to struggle with deep-rooted issues. The caste system, poverty, gender inequality, and illiteracy continue to plague our social fabric. South Asia has long suffered under the weight of caste-based discrimination, which continues to affect our social, economic, and political systems. True freedom—freedom from discrimination, exploitation, and inequality—remains elusive for millions today.
Untouchability, gender discrimination, poverty, and lack of education are not just social issues; they amount to a form of mental and systemic oppression—what we may call “mental terrorism”—that India must overcome. These are the unfinished tasks of our freedom movement. To build a just and equitable India, we must confront these issues head-on and commit to genuine transformation.
Sikkim’s merger with the Indian Union in 1975 through a referendum was a proud and patriotic decision—a testament to our faith in democracy and the Indian Constitution. Under the Sikkim Democratic Front government, we prioritised peace and stability in Sikkim, a geopolitically sensitive state. We understood that ensuring internal stability is essential not just for Sikkim, but for the territorial integrity and security of India.
We also adopted innovative policies that earned Sikkim a distinct global identity—most notably as the world’s first fully organic state. Through innovation, sustainability, and peace, we gave a progressive example of a border state. In this way, we have expressed our patriotism not only in words but through concrete contributions to our nation’s progress and global image. This is our contribution to our nation.
As we reflect on our nation’s journey, we have much to be proud of—but we must also acknowledge what remains to be done. Independence Day is not only a celebration of our past but a call to action for our future. It is a time to remember our past, to assess where we stand, and to renew our collective commitment to building the India that our freedom fighters envisioned.
On this important day, let us also pay tribute to the brave soldiers who guard our borders everyday with courage and sacrifice. Their selfless service is the bedrock of our sovereignty and freedom.
As we move forward as a nation, let us take pride in our achievements, embrace responsibility towards our challenges, and forge ahead with unwavering hope for a bright, progressive and inclusive future.
Jai Sikkim!
Jai Hind!
-Pawan Chamling.
