Sikkim has fully adopted Gandhian philosophy of Gram Swaraj: CM

SIKKIMESE HAVE NATURALLY INHERITED THE SPIRIT OF NON-VIOLENCE: GOVERNOR
GANGTOK, 03 Oct: The 143rd Gandhi Jayanti celebration at Gangtok on 02 October started with the offering of garlands and khadas to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at MG Marg by the Governor and the Chief Minister in the morning.
The Governor, in his address at Chintan Bhawan, said, “As we celebrate Gandhi Jayanti today the world also is celebrating Gandhi Jayanti as International day of Non-violence as per the resolution passed by the United Nations”. Citing various incidents in the life of Mahatma Gandhi the Governor invited people to take inspiration from the Bapu’s life, quoting Gandhi’s message to the people – “My life itself is a message”.

The Governor spoke at length about the relevance of Mahatma Gandhi in today’s world, citing various examples from his life, he said that the teachings of Gandhi are very much relevant even today. Linking Gandhi’s teachings to the people of Sikkim he said that the people of Sikkim have naturally inherited his philosophy of non-violence.
The Chief Minister, in turn, stressed that the entire human race should “vigorously pursue and follow” the Gandhian philosophy of non-violence.
Talking about the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, the Chief Minister said that the generations of leaders from different nations, including the African nations, have been greatly inspired by Gandhi, to attain their own salvation. Because of his teachings he emerged as the tallest leader of not only India but the whole world, he pointed out.
He added that following the Gandhian prescription, the state government has earmarked 70 percent of the state plan for rural development for the upliftment of the rural population. Under the Gandhian philosophy of gram swaraj, the state has fully implemented the 73rd and 74th Amendment Acts of the Constitution to elect representatives at the urban and rural levels.
Power decentralization and devolution of power to the village people have also been fully undertaken, he said. In this way easy access to village administration has been ensured, he added.
During his address the Chief Minister also urged everyone to participate and cooperate fully to successfully hold Panchayat elections and elect their village representatives. The newly elected Panchayats will be empowered through series of trainings with the best resources available countrywide, he said.
The Gandhi Jayanti celebration at Chintan Bhawan started with the lighting of lamp followed by Ramdhun and patriotic songs by the students of various schools and prayers by priests of various religions. A documentary film on Mahatma Gandhi was also screened on the day.
The programme also included release of a book titled ‘Introduction to Buddhism’ which is based on the teachings of the Dalai Lama in Nepali published by the Ecclesiastical Affairs Department.
The Governor also gave away the Best Aaganwadi Worker Award for the year 2010 to Indra Maya Kalikoti [Aaganwadi worker of ICDS Namin] and Best Aaganwadi worker Award 2011 to Puspa Sharma of Karthok ICDS Centre. The award carries a citation, certificate and cash award of Rs. 5,000. He also handed over gifts to the Safaikarmacharis of Gangtok Municipal Corporation for keeping the Gangtok town clean which was sponsored by the Sikkim Chamber of Commerce, Gangtok.