On the occasion of Statehood Day of Sikkim, celebrated on 16th May, the Prime Minister extended his greetings to the individuals of the state. In addition, he lauded the state’s unique culture and traditions, highlighting how these contribute significantly to the country’s forward progress.
Sikkim: A Brief Overview
Located in the northeastern part of India, within the realm of the eastern Himalayas, Sikkim is one of India’s smallest states. The term ‘Sikkim’ can be traced back to the Limbu Tribe’s lexicon, where ‘su him’ signifies ‘new house’. The state’s capital city is Gangtok.
This petite state is encircled by the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north and northeast, Bhutan to the southeast, West Bengal of India to its south, and Nepal to the west. However, despite its small size, Sikkim serves as a crucial political and strategic asset to India due to its location juxtaposed with multiple international boundaries.
The Historical Significance of Sikkim
Tracing back to historical events, in 1950, Sikkim transformed into an Indian protectorate after the Indo-Sikkimese Treaty was enacted. As per this treaty, India assumed control over Sikkim’s external relations, defense, and strategic communication. On 16th May 1975, after persistent demands from its political leaders, Sikkim became the 22nd state of India. Up until this time, the Namgyal dynasty reigned over Sikkim.
Geographical Marvels of Sikkim
The geographical attributes of Sikkim hold immense significance. Mount Kanchenjunga, which stands majestically as India’s highest peak and the world’s third-highest mountain, is located in Sikkim. In proximity to this peak, lies the Kanchenjunga National Park (KNP). Established in 1977, KNP is one of India’s largest high-elevation conservation areas. In recognition of its exceptional natural and cultural significance, KNP was declared a World Heritage Site in 2016 under the ‘mixed’ category.
Teesta River: A Point of Contention
Sikkim is laced by the Teesta River and its tributaries like Rangit, Lhonak, Talung, and Lachung. A point to note is that the Teesta river water conflict has emerged as one of the most contentious issues between India and Bangladesh. The reason being, the Teesta river is a tributary of the Brahmaputra river, a significant source of water for both countries.
Source: PIB