𝗦𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗶𝗺 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝗮𝗺𝗮 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝘄𝗮𝘀, 𝗨𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗶 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲

New Delhi, August 11: Sikkim witnessed a landmark moment in its history today as the state came together to celebrate the inaugural Aama Samman Diwas at Rangpo Ground — a heartfelt tribute to the boundless love, sacrifice, and strength of mothers who are the silent architects of families, communities, and the state’s progress.

Chief Minister Mr. Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, accompanied by his revered mother Mrs. Dhan Maya Tamang and his spouse Mrs. Krishna Kumari Rai, led the occasion with deep emotion, making this first celebration a day etched forever in Sikkim’s collective memory.

Fulfilling his vision and commitment, the Chief Minister officially declared August 10 as Aama Samman Diwas, to be observed every year — an enduring testament to the immeasurable value of motherhood in shaping society’s moral, cultural, and economic fabric. The grand event was organised by the Women, Child, Senior Citizens, and Divyangjan Welfare Department.

In his address, the Chief Minister spoke with heartfelt sincerity, calling mothers “the unsung heroes who nurture not just children, but the very spirit of our society.” He shared personal reflections on the challenges of his journey, emphasising how his mother’s steadfast love and sacrifice shaped his path. His words resonated with every heart present, igniting a shared sense of pride, gratitude, and reverence for mothers everywhere.

The Chief Minister reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment, citing transformative initiatives such as Aama Yojana, Bahini Yojana, Ama Sahayog Yojana, Widow Pension Reform, Vastalya Yojana, and Sabbatical Leave — all designed to uplift women and mothers. He also drew attention to the Mero Rukh Mero Santati initiative, symbolically linking the nurturing role of mothers to the life-giving role of nature.

To ensure mothers have the support they deserve, he highlighted expanded maternity benefits, improved educational access, and the installation of breastfeeding pods in every district, creating dignified spaces for maternal care.

Under the Sikkim Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana, a monumental 32,000 mothers will receive financial support of ₹40,000 each, disbursed in two instalments. In this inaugural celebration, 320 cheques were ceremoniously handed to ten mothers from each constituency, with the remainder to be distributed at their respective Block Administrative Centres.

A historic highlight of the day was the launch of the Nari Adalat, a community-based women-led forum aimed at delivering accessible, compassionate, and informal justice in rural and semi-urban areas. This initiative will address issues including minor family disputes, non-severe domestic violence, marital conflicts, property matters, custody disputes, harassment, dowry-related concerns, and other matters affecting women’s rights.

The celebration also honoured 210 mothers with special recognition from the Chief Minister’s Office. Additionally, over 4,200 mothers will now receive four free LPG cylinder refills annually under the Aama Sahayog Yojana, easing household burdens and contributing to a better quality of life.

The event concluded with the presentation of awards to outstanding mothers whose resilience and dedication stood as shining examples under the Sikkim Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana.

The celebration drew dignitaries, senior officials, women leaders, devoted mothers, and members of the public from every corner of Sikkim, all united in a shared spirit of gratitude and pride for the state’s mothers.

Today, Sikkim did more than celebrate — it set a new standard for how a society can recognise and cherish its mothers. The inaugural Aama Samman Diwas was not just an event, but the beginning of a tradition rooted in respect, gratitude, and empowerment for generations to come.