In Sikkim, the people rededicated themselves to the nation’s unity and progress on the 37th State Day today. It was on this day in 1975 that this erstwhile kingdom joined the Indian Union as its 22nd State following the 38th Constitutional Amendment. A function was held at the Chintan Bhavan in capital Gangtok to mark the day. In his address, the Governor Mr. Balmiki Prasasd Singh asserted that Sikkim has progressed by leaps and bounds after joining the Indian Union and has ,now, risen to such a height that no one could have ever thought of. The Chief Minister Mr. Pawan Chamling congratulated the people for immensely contributing in transformation of Sikkim to a democracy.Twenty nine persons were conferred upon State Civiian Awards of Sikkim Sewa Ratna, Sikkim Khel Ratna and Sikkim Sewa Samman to mark the day..The receipents also included former Chief Ministers Mr. BB Guroong and Mr. Sanchaman Limboo,former Indian Football Team Captain Mr. Bhaichung Bhutia and Olympian archer Mr. Tarundeep Rai. The Sixteenth May Nineteen Seventy Five was the day when Sikkim acquired the status of a full democracy by joining the Indian Union, giving up the three hundred years old monarchy. The tricolour replaced the flag of the erstwhile Chogyal regime. Mr. B.B. Lall took oath of office as the first 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. Mr. Justice Rajendra Sachchar was also sworn in that day as the first acting Chief Justice of the High Court of Sikkim.