GANGTOK, May 16 - The 45th State Day of Sikkim was celebrated today on a low-key due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown.
A brief function was held at Chintan Bhawan here, which was attended by Governor Ganga Prasad as the chief guest and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang as the guest of honour.
Ministers, MLAs, senior government officials and other dignitaries attended the function.
At the outset, Governor Ganga Prasad and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang garlanded the statue of Late Kazi Lhendup Dorji Khangsarpa, the first Chief Minister of Sikkim.
Other dignitaries also paid tributes at his statue.
On this day in 1975, Sikkim became the 22nd State of India.
Keeping the coronavirus-related restrictions in mind, this year�s State-level function was brief and confined to the indoors.
A PTI report from New Delhi adds: Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi today extended greetings on the Statehood Day of Sikkim, saying the State has enriched India�s progress in many sectors.
�Greetings on Sikkim�s Statehood Day. Home to talented and compassionate people, Sikkim has enriched national progress in many sectors,� the Prime Minister tweeted.
He pointed out that Sikkim�s progress in areas such as organic farming has been admired all over.
�Praying for Sikkim�s progress in the years to come,� he added.
In his message, the Vice President said that known for its natural beauty and rich spiritual heritage, Sikkim is India�s first fully organic State, �demonstrating the importance of living in harmony with nature�.
�My best wishes for a happy, healthy & prosperous #Sikkim,� he said.
