Pakyong Airport to Be Renamed After Freedom Fighter Trilochan Pokhrel

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang announced that Pakyong Airport which is the only airport in the Himalayan state and will be renamed after freedom fighter Trilochan Pokhrel. The announcement was made on 27 February 2026 during the 31st Foundation Day celebration of the Akhil Sikkim Khas Chettri Bahun Kalyan Sangh at Rangpo. The move recognises the contribution of Trilochan Pokhrel, popularly known as “Gandhi Pokhrel,” in India’s freedom struggle.

Who Was Trilochan Pokhrel? The First Freedom Activist of Sikkim

Key Contributions of Trilochan Pokhrel

• Popularly known as “Gandhi Pokhrel”
• Considered Sikkim’s first independence activist

Participated in,

• Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22)
• Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–34)
• Quit India Movement (1942)
• Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi

Trilochan Pokhrel belonged to the Khas, Chettri, Bahun community and played a key role in spreading nationalist ideas in Sikkim during the freedom movement era.

Significance of Renaming Pakyong Airport

• The decision to rename Pakyong Airport as Trilochan Pokhrel Airport symbolises recognition of Sikkim’s contribution to India’s independence movement.
• Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang stated that the renaming honours a leader who represented courage, unity, and national pride.
• The move also reflects Sikkim’s commitment to preserving its historical legacy and celebrating local heroes.

Key Facts About Pakyong Airport

Located about 30 km from Gangtok

• The only airport in Sikkim
• Inaugurated on 24 September 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
• Built as a strategic and connectivity-enhancing project in the Himalayan region
• Pakyong Airport significantly improved air connectivity in Sikkim, boosting tourism, trade and regional accessibility.

Announcement at 31st Foundation Day Celebration

The renaming announcement was made during the 31st Foundation Day of the Akhil Sikkim Khas Chettri Bahun Kalyan Sangh.

The Chief Minister highlighted the organisation’s role in,

• Preserving cultural heritage
• Promoting unity among communities
• Strengthening social harmony in Sikkim

He reiterated that Sikkim stands as a model of harmony in diversity, where multiple communities live with mutual respect.

Sikkim’s Integration and Historical Context

• Sikkim became the 22nd state of India in 1975 after a referendum.
• Despite being a small Himalayan state, it has played an important role in regional geopolitics and cultural diversity.
• Freedom fighters like Trilochan Pokhrel helped connect Sikkim’s people to the broader Indian independence movement, making such recognition historically significant.

Question

Q. Trilochan Pokhrel was popularly known by which name?

A) Netaji Pokhrel
B) Gandhi Pokhrel
C) Azad Pokhrel
D) Loknayak Pokhrel