GANGTOK: The Traya Jayanti Samaroha – Anugraha ko Yatra, marking three significant milestones—the 50 years of Statehood of Sikkim, the Silver Jubilee of St. Paul the Apostle Church, Tadong, and the Universal Jubilee of the Roman Catholic Church 2025—was celebrated at Holy Cross School, today.
The event was graced by Chief Minister, Mr Prem Singh Tamang, as the Chief Guest.
The programme began with the unveiling of the Jubilee Plaque by the Chief Minister, followed by the lighting of the ceremonial lamps alongside His Lordship Bishop Stephen Lepcha and Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Yozan David Rai at St Paul’s the Apostle Church, 5th Mile Tadong.
In his address, Chief Guest, Mr Prem Singh Tamang, highlighted the significance of the three Jayanti celebrations—the Silver Jubilee of St. Paul the Apostle Church, Tadong, the Universal Jubilee of the Roman Catholic Church 2025, and the 50 years of Statehood of Sikkim. He acknowledged the Catholic Church’s valuable contribution to the social, educational, and spiritual development of the State. Emphasising unity and equality, he underscored the need for collective effort in building a better society.
The Chief Minister further elaborated on the State Government’s initiatives to showcase Sikkim’s achievements at the national level and the progress made across various sectors. He reiterated the importance of unity and adherence to rule for a harmonious society. He also highlighted the upcoming pre-Christmas celebration to be held at Jorethang and encouraged everyone to participate.
In his address, His Lordship Bishop Stephen Lepcha, reflected on the theme of the celebration, emphasising its spiritual significance and the message of hope and unity. He acknowledged the Chief Minister’s vision for fostering harmony across communities and appreciated his compassion and consistent support for those in need. He also commended several initiatives of the State Government that have contributed to the welfare and upliftment of the people. Additionally, he shared insights into the history and growth of the Catholic community in Sikkim.
In his address, Rev. Fr. Yozan David Rai, elaborated on the programme and the three significant reasons for the celebration. He underscored that the Catholic community is united under a single Church with one administrative body, and that all other units function as integral parts of this unified structure. He also highlighted the Chief Minister’s vision of Sunaulo, Samriddha ani Samarth Sikkim and acknowledged him as one of the most popular Chief Minister. He welcomed all the attendees who had come from different parts of the State and neighbouring state.
Thereafter, students of Holy Cross School presented a Prayer Dance, invocation of God’s name followed by Dance Drama on the Jubilee theme Pilgrims of Hope, performed by Christ the King Church, Pakyong, and St. John’s Church, Basilakha.
The cultural performance featured vibrant Nepali, Lepcha, and Bhutia dances presented by Catholic communities from South West Sikkim and students of St. Joseph’s School, Martam, presented a special dance highlighting 50 years of Sikkim’s Statehood.
Subsequently, a felicitation ceremony was held to honour priests, religious leaders, notable achievers from the Catholic community, as well as land donors who have donated land for building churches and educational institutions.
This was followed by choir performance by St. Paul’s Church, Tadong, and St. Thomas Church, Gangtok and a short video documenting the works and contributions of the Catholic Church in Sikkim was screened.
Following that, the Chief Minister released the Jubilee Journal “Anugraha ko Yatra” along with the book “Connect to Earth.”
Also present were, His Lordship Bishop Stephen Lepcha, Minister, Culture Department, Health & Family Welfare Department, Mr G T Dhungel, Minister, Education Department, Law Department, Sports & Youth Affairs Department, Mr Raju Basnet, Former MP (Lok Sabha), Mr Nakul Das Rai, Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, Mr Jacob Khaling, Deputy Mayor, Ms Tshering Palden, Bhutia, government officers, clergy members from various churches across the State and other dignitaries.
The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Dean, North East Sikkim Deanery, Rev. Fr. Jerad Lepcha.
- IPR Gangtok
