In Sikkim, the people rededicated themselves to the nation’s unity and progress on the 36th State Day on Sunday. It was on this day in 1975 that this erstwhile kingdom joined the Indian Union as its 22nd State following the 38th Constitution Amendment. A function was held at the Chintan Bhavan in capital Gangtok to mark the day. <br/> <br/>AIR Correspondent reports, the Sixteenth May Nineteen Seventy Five marked the fulfillment of a quarter century long struggle of the people of this tiny Himalayan State to become the masters of their own affairs. It was on this day that Sikkim acquired the status of a full democracy by joining the political, economic and social mainstream of the Indian Union after giving up the three hundred years old monarchy. <br/> <br/>The tricolour replaced the flag of the erstwhile Chogyal regime. Mr. B.B. Lall took oath of office as thefirst Governor of the Indian State of Sikkim. This was followed by Kazi Lhendup Dorjee Khangserpa swearing in as the first Chief Minister alongwith his Council of Ministers at the Raj Bhavan. <br/> <br/> <br/>Mr. Justice Rajendra Sachchar was also sworn in that day as the first acting Chief Justice of the High Court of Sikkim. This small landlocked state has since then never looked back and has made sufficient progress in various fields. <br/> <br/>The successive State Governments have also made genuine endeavour to ensure that Sikkim’s natural beauty, peace and tranquility as well as its distinct cultural identity is maintained at all cost.<br/>