On
the auspicious day of Paush Purnima — the first full moon of the year
known as the Fox Moon — I found myself reminiscing about an idea that had
struck me two decades ago. The day holds spiritual significance for Newar and
Hindu devotees, marking the start of daily readings of the Swasthani Vrata
Katha, culminating a month later on Magh Purnima. While admiring the
full moon early that morning, the thought of sharing this idea once again
seemed fitting, perhaps even auspicious, as we celebrate 50 years of Sikkim’s
Statehood. Who knows, this could be the start of a new chapter as we honor our
golden milestone.
A Reflection from 2005
As
recorded in my book, Sikkim: Three Decades Towards Democracy – Evolution of
the Legislative System, the idea of creating a unique crest for Sikkim originated
during the 67th Conference of the Presiding Officers and Secretaries of
Legislative Bodies in Kolkata, held from October 8–12, 2004. The Speaker of the
Sikkim Legislative Assembly expressed his desire to have an emblem for official
use and display. Inspired by the occasion of celebrating three decades of
democracy in Sikkim, I designed a crest and submitted it for approval.
The
concept was timely. At the time, there were discussions about the claim that
the existing crest was originally the Royal Family’s insignia. Although these
debates had subsided since the early days of the merger, I believed that
adopting a new emblem blending state and national identities would be a
symbolic step toward emotional integration. With political will backing the
proposal, a Cabinet Memorandum was prepared and submitted. However, for reasons
unknown, the idea was shelved. Had it been adopted then, the crest would now
have been in use for 20 years, making Sikkim a pioneer in the region, second
only to Tripura.
The Concept of the United Crest
The
proposed crest was a unified blend of Sikkim’s State Emblem and the National
Emblem of India. While most state assemblies and governments use crests
incorporating both their state insignia and the National Emblem with the motto Satyamev
Jayate, Sikkim’s emblem remains distinct, lacking any national symbol. My
son Raman designed the proposed crest, which retained the state’s traditional
emblem while incorporating the National Emblem. The motto Vox Populi Vox Dei
(“The voice of the people is the voice of God”) was central to the design, with
its Nepali/Hindi/Sanskrit translation, Praja Vani Dev Vani.
This
United Crest aimed to respect Sikkim’s cultural and historical sentiments while
fostering national pride. It symbolized emotional integration, complementing
the territorial integration achieved three decades earlier. Beyond its symbolic
value, the crest would enhance Sikkim’s identity in official correspondence and
functions, ensuring recognition both within and outside the state. Instances
had been reported where Sikkim’s existing crest was not easily recognized,
causing challenges in official interactions. The united crest would have been a
step toward resolving such issues while boosting the dignity of the Legislative
Assembly and government institutions.
The Road Not Taken
Despite
the compelling rationale, there were risks. Public opinion can be
unpredictable, and the proposal required broad consensus. I had shared with the
Speaker that a similar initiative in another northeastern state had faced
public backlash, possibly deterring its adoption in Sikkim. Yet, as the saying
goes, “What is life without risk?” The idea was abandoned, leaving a missed
opportunity to enhance Sikkim’s identity.
Interestingly,
Sikkim Police already uses an insignia that incorporates the National Emblem.
Perhaps this could serve as a precedent for reviving the proposal. As we
celebrate “50 Years of Statehood – Sunaulo ani Samriddha Sikkim” (Golden and
Prosperous Sikkim), it may be worth reconsidering the united crest. Its
adoption now could be a meaningful addition to our state’s golden jubilee
celebrations, symbolizing progress and unity.
Moreover,
adopting the crest would entail minimal financial implications, as noted in the
original Cabinet Memorandum. If the current government, in its second term,
revisits this idea, it could become another feather in its cap.
My Dual Allegiances
Reflecting
on this journey, I am reminded of my unique position as an All India Service
Officer of the IAS Sikkim cadre. In 1972, when I joined the service under the
erstwhile Kingdom of Sikkim, I swore allegiance to the Chogyal and the Durbar.
My training took me across India, from the National Academy of Administration
in Mussoorie to the Staff College at Gorton Castle, Shimla, and Bharat Darshan,
which included visits to sites of national pride like the Bhabha Atomic
Research Centre in Trombay, Amul Diary / Kheda District Co-operative Milk
Producers’ Union at Anand and the Railway Staff College in Baroda.
After
Sikkim’s merger with India, I was inducted into the IAS Sikkim cadre and
pledged allegiance to the Constitution of India. This dual allegiance has
shaped my identity and deepened my commitment to both Sikkim and India. As I
wrote in my poem “I Owe You” (featured in Sikkim: Three Decades Towards
Democracy submitted to the President Dr. A. P.J. Abdul Kalam during his
visit to Sikkim Legislative Assembly), I owe my life and growth to these two
motherlands. Just as I have two mothers in life—my birth mother Karuna and my
nurturing mother Indira—Sikkim and India are my two motherlands, each deserving
of my unwavering loyalty and gratitude.
A Call for Reflection
As
I share these memories, updated and cherished over the years, I hope they
inspire readers to consider the relevance of the United Crest in today’s
context. With Sikkim completing 50 years of Statehood, this could be an
opportune moment to revisit the idea and determine its viability. Adopting the
crest would not only honor our state’s cultural heritage but also reinforce our
national identity, fostering a sense of pride and unity.
Let
this proposal, once mooted but muted, spark discussions about the way forward.
Whether it is ultimately adopted or set aside, the conversation itself is
valuable in celebrating Sikkim’s golden milestone and envisioning its future.
Disclaimer
This
account is a personal recollection of memories, updated and shared to treasure
the joy of life’s journey. References to names, quotes, places, and events are
made in good faith, with no malice intended.
