The Sikkim government has announced that the last rites of Padma Shri Tula Ram Upreti will be conducted with full state honours as a mark of respect for his immense contributions to agriculture and organic farming.
Upreti, who passed away at the age of 100 on February 22, 2025, at his residence in Assam Lingzey, was widely recognized for his dedication to sustainable farming and his pioneering role in making Sikkim India’s first organic state.
CM Prem Singh Tamang Pays Tribute to Tula Ram Upreti
Expressing his deep sorrow, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang described Upreti as a revered agriculturalist who played a pivotal role in shaping Sikkim’s journey towards sustainability and self-reliance.
In an official statement, CM Tamang said:
“I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Padma Shri Tula Ram Upreti Jyu at the remarkable age of 100. A pioneering figure in agriculture and organic farming, he played a pivotal role in shaping Sikkim’s journey towards sustainability and self-reliance. His invaluable contributions have left an indelible mark on our society, inspiring generations to uphold the rich traditions of natural and organic farming.”
The Chief Minister further acknowledged Upreti’s legacy, stating that his wisdom and dedication earned him national recognition. He also remembered Upreti as the father of former Minister K.N. Upreti, highlighting his role in transforming Sikkim’s agriculture sector.
Tula Ram Upreti’s Role in Sikkim’s Organic Farming Movement
Tula Ram Upreti was a pioneering force behind Sikkim’s organic farming movement. His dedication to traditional and sustainable agricultural practices played a crucial role in the state’s emergence as India’s first organic state.
Some of his key contributions include:
- Promoting Organic Farming: Upreti actively encouraged farmers to adopt organic farming techniques, ensuring environmental sustainability and chemical-free agricultural produce.
- Preserving Traditional Farming Methods: He revived and preserved traditional farming techniques, emphasizing their benefits for soil health and biodiversity.
- Advocating for Sustainable Agriculture: His relentless efforts in sustainable agriculture helped Sikkim gain global recognition as a leader in organic farming.
His vision and commitment were instrumental in Sikkim achieving its organic state status in 2016, a milestone that earned international recognition.
Legacy of Padma Shri Tula Ram Upreti
Tula Ram Upreti’s contributions to agriculture and organic farming earned him the prestigious Padma Shri award—one of India’s highest civilian honors. His lifelong dedication to sustainable farming practices has inspired generations of farmers in Sikkim and across India.
Upreti’s philosophy of working in harmony with nature continues to influence modern agricultural policies and practices. His teachings on organic farming remain a guiding force for aspiring farmers and environmentalists who seek to balance agricultural productivity with ecological conservation.
Sikkim Government’s Commitment to Honoring Upreti’s Contributions
The Sikkim government’s decision to conduct Upreti’s last rites with full state honours underscores the profound impact he had on the state’s agricultural landscape. By honoring him, the state recognizes the importance of organic farming and reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and ecological balance.
On behalf of the people of Sikkim, CM Prem Singh Tamang extended his condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul’s eternal peace. The state government has assured that Upreti’s contributions will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
Public Reactions and Tributes
The news of Tula Ram Upreti’s passing has led to an outpouring of tributes from various sectors.
- Political leaders, environmentalists, and agricultural experts have expressed their respect for his invaluable contributions.
- Farmers across Sikkim have credited Upreti for inspiring them to embrace organic farming.
- The younger generation of agriculturists sees him as a mentor and guiding light in the field of sustainable agriculture.
The legacy of Padma Shri Tula Ram Upreti will forever remain a symbol of Sikkim’s commitment to organic farming and sustainable agriculture. His unwavering dedication to natural farming methods helped transform Sikkim into India’s first organic state, setting a benchmark for environmentally friendly agricultural practices worldwide.
By conducting his last rites with full state honours, the Sikkim government is paying a fitting tribute to a man whose life’s work continues to inspire farmers, policymakers, and environmentalists.
As Sikkim continues its journey toward agricultural sustainability, Tula Ram Upreti’s contributions will remain a guiding force, ensuring that future generations uphold his principles of organic farming and environmental stewardship.
