The Governor of Sikkim, Om Prakash Mathur, inaugurated a 70ft Monumental National Flag at Sikkim Prerna Sthal, Bardang, on Saturday. The flag, installed by the Indian Army, the Tourism Department of the Government of Sikkim, and the Flag Foundation of India, is dedicated to the nation.
Marked as the 184th Monumental National Flag, it is prominently positioned within the premises of Sikkim Prerna Sthal and stands as a symbol of unity, pride, and respect for the nation. The inauguration coincided with the first anniversary of Sikkim Prerna Sthal, established by Raj Bhavan to honour the twenty-two martyrs who lost their lives during the 2023 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) incident in the State.
The ceremony was attended by Minister for Roads and Bridges N. B. Dahal, West Pendam MLA L. B. Das, GOC of Black Cat Division Major General M. S. Rathore, SM, VSM, Secretary of Tourism and Civil Aviation Smt. Hondala Gyaltsen, and Major General Ashim Kohli, SM (Retd.), CEO of the Flag Foundation of India, among other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Mathur commended the Indian Army and other stakeholders involved in the installation. He said Prerna Sthal stands as a tribute to the martyrs and will serve as a site of learning and inspiration for tourists as part of Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan, offering insights into the dedication and valour of Indian soldiers serving in the region. The Governor also directed that the names of all martyrs be permanently inscribed at the site.
Prerna Sthal is envisioned as a place of reverence and a key tourism site. The Governor instructed concerned departments to enhance and beautify the premises to reflect the discipline, sacrifice, and commitment of the soldiers.
The event included a wreath-laying ceremony, a patriotic performance by students of PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School, Singtam, and a Kalaripayattu demonstration by the Indian Army.
Major General Ashim Kohli highlighted the significance of the National Flag as a symbol connecting citizens to national pride and patriotism. Minister N. B. Dahal extended his congratulations to the Indian Army, Tourism Department, and Flag Foundation of India for the successful installation of the flag.
