Shravan Kumar Award: Sikkim sets new benchmark in honouring devotion to parents

The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) government, led by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang Golay, has instituted the Shravan Kumar Award to recognise and reward extraordinary devotion towards parents. The initiative, announced during the 77th Independence Day celebrations at Paljor Stadium, marks a first-of-its-kind effort in the state — one that celebrates not just achievement, but the values that bind families and communities together.

The award, named after the legendary figure from Indian mythology known for his selfless service to his blind and ailing parents, will be given annually on August 15 to one individual from each of Sikkim’s 199 Gram Panchayat Units (GPUs). This year, all 199 awardees will receive ₹1 lakh each as a gesture of gratitude from the state. While 22 recipients from Gangtok district will be honoured directly by the Chief Minister at Paljor Stadium, the remaining awardees will be felicitated at Independence Day events in Pakyong, Soreng, Namchi, Geyzing, and Mangan districts.

The award’s purpose goes beyond financial recognition. It is a symbolic stand against a troubling social trend where elderly parents, often neglected, end up in old-age homes — a practice that, as the Chief Minister pointed out, runs counter to Sikkim’s moral and cultural heritage. By formally recognising those who care for their elderly, especially parents above 80 years or those with disabilities, the government hopes to revive and safeguard the tradition of filial respect and responsibility.

The Rural Development Department serves as the nodal body for administering the award, ensuring a rigorous and transparent selection process. At the grassroots level, each Gram Sabha nominates up to three candidates based on moral character, service record, and personal sacrifice. The nominations are then reviewed by the District Level Verification Committee, headed by the District Collector, and comprising senior officials, law enforcement representatives, and welfare officers. Each case is carefully verified, with background checks conducted where necessary, before the final list is submitted to the Rural Development Department.

The criteria for selection are precise: continuous and selfless care for parents, significant personal sacrifice, and an unblemished moral standing in the community. This thorough vetting process ensures that the award remains an authentic recognition of compassion and duty.

The Shravan Kumar Award is part of a broader social vision of the SKM government. In recent months, the state has launched initiatives like the Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana and Aama Sahayog Yojana, introduced Aama Samman Diwas on August 10, and publicly felicitated hundreds of mothers for their role in family and community life. Each of these measures underscores the administration’s belief that governance should not only address infrastructure and economic growth but also nurture the emotional and cultural foundations of society.