Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the golden jubilee of Sikkim’s statehood with a series of public engagements, describing the Himalayan state as the “heaven of the East” while praising its natural beauty, peace, and cultural harmony. His visit, which began on Monday, comes as part of nationwide commemorations marking 50 years since Sikkim became a state of India in 1975.

On the second day of his visit, Modi began his morning in Gangtok by interacting with local youth and briefly playing football, setting a relaxed tone before official events. The Prime Minister later shared images of the interaction, highlighting his engagement with the community. His arrival in Sikkim followed an intense political schedule in neighboring West Bengal, underscoring the significance of the visit amid broader national activities.

Addressing a large gathering at Paljor Stadium, Modi congratulated the people of Sikkim on the milestone and commended the state for its unity and inclusiveness. He noted that at a time when divisions based on language and caste often dominate political discourse, Sikkim stands out as an example of harmony, bringing together people from across the country during the celebrations.

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Highlighting the state’s tourism potential, the Prime Minister expressed admiration for Sikkim’s natural assets, particularly its orchids, stating that those who have not seen them “have not seen anything.” He voiced confidence that the state would see record tourist footfall in the coming years, driven by its serene environment and growing global appeal as a destination for eco and wellness tourism.

Modi also focused on infrastructure and development, emphasizing the importance of improved connectivity to boost economic growth. He pointed to the ongoing Sevoke-Rangpo railway project as a transformative initiative that will connect Sikkim to India’s railway network. The Prime Minister said such long-pending projects have been accelerated under the current administration, positioning the state for faster development.

Concluding his address, Modi reiterated the Centre’s vision of making Sikkim a global hub for sustainable tourism and praised its achievement as India’s first fully organic state. He urged citizens to contribute toward the broader goal of a developed India by 2047, marking 100 years of independence, and emphasized that Sikkim would play a vital role in that national journey.

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