'Jan Unmukti Diwas' to be celebrated as ‘Aama Samman Diwas’, says Minister Arun Upreti
The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), which came to power with the promise of transparency, welfare and inclusive growth, continues to highlight social welfare as a core value.
LOCAL
As Sikkim prepares to mark the eighth anniversary of Jan Unmukti Diwas on August 10, Minister of Rural Development and senior SKM leader Arun Kumar Upreti announced that this year’s celebration will be held with a special theme: Aama Samman Diwas.
In an exclusive conversation with Sikkim Review, Upreti spoke about the significance of the day and the preparations underway. “As you all know, Jan Unmukti Diwas is approaching soon. We observe this day every year on August 10, and this time it holds even more meaning because we are dedicating it to our mothers, as guided by our Honourable Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang,” he said.
Highlighting the vision behind this special observance, Upreti said that the idea of Mother’s Respect Day reflects the values of gratitude and respect towards women who hold the family and society together. “Under the leadership of our Chief Minister, we have already launched a scheme called Aama Yojana, where mothers are given Rs 40,000 every year. This initiative is not just running smoothly but has become a key pillar of support for women across the state,” he added.
He further explained that Jan Unmukti Diwas is not just a political event but a symbol of freedom and self-respect for the people of Sikkim. “Many people already know why we celebrate this day. It marks an important milestone in our party's journey and in Sikkim’s political history. But this year, we are giving it a more emotional and heartfelt meaning by focusing on mothers,” Upreti stated.
Responding to the question about why mothers were chosen as the central focus this year, the Minister said, “If we truly want to respect our mothers, this is the right moment. Why wait for another day when we already have a meaningful occasion to honour them?”
The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), which came to power with the promise of transparency, welfare and inclusive growth, continues to highlight social welfare as a core value. The Aama Yojana is seen as a direct outcome of that ideology.
Upreti also mentioned that preparations for the event have already begun across the state. Mothers from all districts will be invited to take part in the central programme, which is expected to be a grand event. “This day will be observed through a major programme under the guidance of our Honourable Chief Minister. Mothers from across the state are expected to join and participate in this special event,” he added.
He said that for the SKM party, Jan Unmukti Diwas is one of the two most important days in its calendar — the other being the party’s foundation day on February 4. “Both days remind us of our commitment to the people and our responsibility to serve society in the best way possible,” said Upreti.