Gangtok, May 16: An official function organised by the state home department at Jeewan Theeng Marg here marked 30 years of statehood for Sikkim.

While chief minister Pawan Chamling did not speak at the meet, Governor V. Rama Rao congratulated the people for the peaceful polls and the large turnout to select a government of their choice.

He said the recent recognition of Sikkim by China as an integral part of the Indian union was a big event for the state, which has been participating in the country’s democratic process for the last 30 years.

According to the Governor, the state would reap considerable benefits with the reopening of the silk route between the two countries through Nathula.

This could spell an economic boom for Sikkim, he added.

It was on this day in 1975 that Sikkim became a full-fledged state of the country when Kazi Lhendup Dorjee Khangsharpa was sworn in as the first chief minister by the first Governor of Sikkim B. B. Lall.

Earlier, in April 1975 the Himalayan kingdom ruled by the Namgyal dynasty for more than 333 years was incorporated as the 22nd state of India by the 38th Amendment Act of the Constitution.

Palden Thondup Namgyal was the last Chogyal (ruler) of Sikkim before it became a part of India.