Governor Om Prakash Mathur marks two years in office with public programme in Gangtok

Governor Om Prakash Mathur completed two years in office on Tuesday and marked the milestone with an official programme at Ashirvad Hall, Lok Bhawan, Gangtok. Speaking to those gathered, he said he was grateful for the chance to serve the people of Sikkim and described the state’s warmth and hospitality as exceptional.

Focus on education, local visits, and women’s achievements

The Governor said he has aimed to stay close to people by regularly visiting Gram Panchayat Units (GPUs) and interacting directly with villagers. To mark the two-year completion, he announced an initiative to honour district academic toppers. He also noted that among the toppers being recognised, five of the six were young women, calling it a sign of women’s empowerment in the state.

In his remarks, Governor Mathur shared personal reflections from his public life that began in 1972. He recalled growing up in a small village and said he chose public service. He also praised Sikkim for being a fully organic state, despite small landholdings, and mentioned the state’s environmental initiative of planting 108 trees to celebrate the birth of every child.

Lok Bhawan, border support, and development work highlighted

Several leaders attended and congratulated the Governor. Sikkim Legislative Assembly Speaker M.N. Sherpa said the Assembly, the Chief Minister and the people of Sikkim recognised the Governor’s leadership. He also praised efforts to make Lok Bhawan more public-centred and said the Governor has continued to guide work on peace, cultural preservation, sustainable development and good governance.

Public Health Engineering minister Sonam Lama, Rural Development minister Arun Kumar Upreti, and others also offered congratulations. According to the programme, a review of Governor Mathur’s achievements was presented by the Secretary to the Governor, Jitendra Singh Raje. The overview included initiatives such as adopting Chungthang village, promoting border tourism, improving Army infrastructure, electrifying border villages, supporting local entrepreneurs and sports, and actions linked to women’s empowerment and education.

The programme included cultural performances and a felicitation segment where Governor Mathur, the Speaker, Deputy Speaker Raj Kumari Thapa and Jitendra Singh Raje presented awards to different groups. The honourees included class X district toppers, VVIP security personnel, STDC personnel from Bagdogra and Burtuk Helipad, progressive farmers, staff of Lok Bhawan and sanitation personnel. A discourse by Mahamandaleshwar Swami Advaitananda Giri from the International Meditation Foundation also touched on serving society as part of spiritual fulfilment.