Sri Vijaya Puram, 16 May: Raj Niwas turned tricolour-green-white-red today as the Andaman administration observed Sikkim Foundation Day, showcasing a short film on the Himalayan state’s culture before hosting an interaction session over tea. The event, mandated by the Ministry of Home Affairs under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat banner, drew islanders of Sikkimese origin who shared anecdotes about integrating into archipelago life while preserving native dance and cuisine. Organisers said such gatherings widen inter-state empathy and build a pan-Indian narrative beyond geography. Participants left with commemorative mementos bearing the slogan “Unity in Diversity at Sea and Summit.”
Sikkim Foundation Day, observed on May 16, marks the historic day in 1975 when Sikkim officially became the 22nd state of the Indian Union. The occasion is a celebration of the state’s unique cultural identity, rich biodiversity, and its peaceful integration into India. It highlights Sikkim’s journey from a Himalayan kingdom to a modern Indian state, showcasing its progress in organic farming, environmental conservation, and social harmony.
