Air India names Boeing 777 ‘Sikkim’ to mark 50th statehood day

Gangtok: In a symbolic tribute to India’s unity in diversity, Air India has named one of its Boeing 777-300 aircraft ‘Sikkim’, honouring the northeastern state as it celebrates 50 years of joining the Indian Union. The gesture by the national carrier has been widely applauded as a heartfelt recognition of Sikkim’s contributions and identity within the nation. The newly christened aircraft now proudly bears the name ‘Sikkim’ in bold lettering on its nose, transforming a long-haul jetliner into a soaring emblem of national pride. More than just a mode of travel, this aircraft now carries the stories, dreams, and pride of Sikkim’s people across the skies. The announcement comes at a poignant time as Sikkim marked its 50th Statehood Day, commemorating its formal merger with India in 1975. Over the past five decades, Sikkim has emerged as a beacon of ecological stewardship, education, and peaceful coexistence—qualities now reflected in this airborne tribute. For residents of the state, the naming of the aircraft is a deeply emotional moment. Often underrepresented in national discourse, Sikkim’s natural beauty and community-driven development have quietly stood as a model for others. The Air India gesture brings long-overdue attention and respect to the Himalayan state. Air India has previously named aircraft after other Indian states like Kerala, Punjab, and Gujarat, but for Sikkim—one of the smallest and most remote—this recognition is particularly significant. It also serves as a strong symbol of inclusion for the entire Northeast, a region that has historically felt on the fringes of mainstream national consciousness. As the ‘Sikkim’ aircraft takes to international skies, it carries a powerful message: every state, regardless of size or location, has a place of honour in the Indian story.