GANGTOK, : Raj Bhavan, Sikkim celebrated the 73rd
birthday of Governor Om Prakash Mathur with great fervour and enthusiasm at
Ashirvad Bhavan today.
The celebration was attended by Chief
Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), speaker Mingma Norbu Sherpa, deputy speaker
Raj Kumari Thapa, minister Bhim Hang Subba, Pintso Namgyal Lepcha, Puran Gurung
and Samdup Lepcha, Rajasthan Forest minister Sanjay Sharma, High Court of
Sikkim judges Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai and Justice Bhaskar Raj Pradhan,
MLAs, chief secretary, DGP, 17 Mountain Division GOC, guests from Rajasthan,
the home State of the Governor, and a host of other dignitaries.
The celebration commenced with a welcome
address by Rajasthan's former minister Narayan Joshi, who extended heartfelt
greetings to the Governor and other dignitaries.
Extending his warm birthday wishes to
the Governor, the Chief Minister expressed profound respect and gratitude for
the Governor’s unwavering commitment, visionary leadership and decades-long
service to the nation. He highlighted the Governor’s exemplary public life,
characterized by honesty, integrity and profound knowledge, informs a press
release.
The Chief Minister reflected on the
Governor’s illustrious political journey in various capacities and as a Member
of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha. The Chief Minister praised the Governor’s
leadership in fostering progress in Sikkim, particularly in environmental
conservation, education and rural development.
Highlighting the golden jubilee
celebrations of Sikkim’s statehood, which will be commemorated on May 16 under
the Governor’s guidance, the Chief Minister emphasized the Governor’s role in
shaping Sikkim into a model of development, peace and sustainability. He
extended heartfelt wishes for the Governor’s continued success, health, and
happiness and expressed his privilege to work under his inspiring leadership.
Earlier, Sanjay Sharma addressed the
gathering, praising the Governor’s dedication and contributions to Sikkim. He
lauded the Chief Minister as a visionary leader under whose guidance Sikkim
continues to prosper and extended warm birthday wishes to the Governor.
The program included the ceremonial
offering of khadas and bouquets to the Governor, followed by a vibrant cultural
presentation showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Sikkim and Rajasthan.
Earlier in the day, the Governor visited
Hanuman Tok and Enchey Monastery, where he offered prayers and sought blessings
for the peace and prosperity of the State.
Marking the occasion, the Chief Minister
and the Chief Secretary paid courtesy visits to the Governor at Raj Bhavan,
extending warm birthday wishes and expressing their gratitude for his exemplary
leadership and contributions to the State.
