Sikkim marked its 50th Statehood Day

Sikkim marked its 50th Statehood Day on May 16 with vibrant events at Paljor Stadium and Manan Kendra in Gangtok.

• May 16 is celebrated annually as Sikkim Day, commemorating the former kingdom’s integration with India in 1975.

Historical Background:

Kingdom of Sikkim:

• Founded in 1642 when Phuntsog Namgyal was consecrated as the first Chogyal (king) by three Tibetan lamas.
• The Namgyal dynasty ruled for 333 years until 1975.

Colonial Era and Protectorate Status:

• Due to its strategic location between India and China, and conflicts involving Bhutan and Nepal, Sikkim drew British interest.
• The Treaty of Tumlong (1861) made Sikkim a British protectorate — allowing the Chogyals to retain power while Britain controlled external affairs.
• The Calcutta Convention (1890) and Lhasa Convention (1904) formalized Sikkim’s boundary with Tibet, reinforcing British authority.

Integration with India:

• In 1950, the Indo-Sikkim Treaty established Sikkim as an Indian protectorate.
• The Constitution (36th Amendment) Bill was introduced by India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
• Passed by Parliament and signed by President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, it took effect on May 16, 1975, making Sikkim the 22nd state of India.