Independence Day at Raj Bhavan

GANGTOK, 17 Aug: Amidst much fanfare and festivity, Governor of Sikkim, Shriniwas Patil unfurled the National Flag in the front courtyard of the Raj Bhavan to mark the 68th Independence Day Celebration in the morning of 15 August 2014. The Governor was accompanied by the First Lady, Smt. Rajanidevi Patil, Officers and Staff of Raj Bhavan, ITBP personnel, students and the members of Raj Bhavan family on the occasion.
A press release from Raj Bhavan informs that the programme started with the National Anthem following the hoisting of National Flag by the Governor. The students and the children presented colourful cultural programme and patriotic songs to the delight of the gathering. Appreciating the performance of the children despite the bad weather, the First Lady blessed the children with a token of cash award. The programme ended with the distribution of sweets to the children and snacks for all present.
In the evening, the Governor and the First Lady hosted at Home Function at New Raj Bhavan, Reception Hall at 5 PM. Among the dignitaries present were the Chief Minister, Chief Justice and the Judges of Sikkim High Court, Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary, GOC Black Cat, Heads of Departments of Government of Sikkim, all Heads of Central Government Departments in Sikkim, Commandants of all the Paramilitary Forces in Sikkim, prominent National and State Awardees, Representatives of various communities, Members of Sikkim Chamber of Commerce and various organisations including press and media. The programme started with felicitation of National and State Awardees including the toppers of Board Examination for the year 2014 by the Governor.
The awardees include one President Police Medal recipient, three recipients of President’s Fire Service Medal, two recipients of President’s Home Guards & Civil Defence Medal for Meritorious Service, eleven State Meritorious Service Awardees, two recipients of Certificate of Commendation to NCC Officers and five recipients of Cash Award for State Topper in the Board Examination. The Governor congratulated the recipients of various awardees for their accomplishment and extended best wishes for their future endeavours, the release mentions.
The at Home Function ended at 6.00 pm with High Tea hosted at the banquet hall.