50 Years of Sikkim’s Statehood

• Context (TH): Sikkim celebrated 50 years of statehood by launching ‘Butterthon’.

About Sikkim

• Borders: Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, and West Bengal. Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim.
• Known for rich biodiversity and cultural diversity, it is home to Kanchenjunga, India’s highest peak, and the Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The population is approximately 600,000, with a literacy rate of 81.4%.
• Historically, it has been ruled by the Namgyal dynasty since 1642.

Historical Integration

• Became an Indian protectorate in 1950, retaining internal autonomy while India managed defence, external affairs, and communications.
• In 1974, Sikkim’s assembly passed a resolution to merge with India, followed by a 1975 referendum in which over 97% of voters voted in favour.
• On May 16, 1975, Sikkim became India’s 22^nd state, marking the end of the monarchy and the establishment of democratic governance.
• Sikkim Statehood Day is celebrated annually on May 16 to honour this integration and ongoing progress.
• Article 371F: Special provisions to protect Sikkim’s unique cultural identity, land rights, and local laws.

About Butterthon

• First-of-its-kind international butterfly-watching event held across Sikkim’s ecological zones, organised by the Butterfly Society of Sikkim – TPCF.
• TPCF represents the word “butterfly” in four local languages: Lepcha (Thamblyok), Nepali (Putali), Limboo (Charphemba), and Bhutia (Famiyap).
• Aimed at promoting butterfly tourism and citizen science through observation and documentation.

Butterflies in Sikkim

• Hosts about 700 butterfly species, nearly half of India’s total. The Dzongu region (78 sq. km) near Khangchendzonga National Park alone hosts around 420 species (61% of Sikkim’s butterflies).
• Home to significant butterflies like the rare Kaiser-i-Hind (Schedule I protected), high-altitude Common Blue Apollo, mid-altitude pollinator Red-base Jezebel, brightly colored Peacock Royal and Paris Peacock, rare Yellow Gorgon indicating undisturbed habitats, Glassy Tiger found in lower elevations, and the Indian Tortoiseshell active in alpine zones during early spring.
• Rich biodiversity is due to varied altitudes and intense conservation efforts.

Also read,> Sikkim National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.