Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said Sikkim stands as a strong example of development, cultural harmony and environmental protection, as he addressed the closing ceremony of the state’s 50th year of statehood celebrations in Gangtok.Speaking before a large gathering during the golden jubilee event, the Prime Minister spoke about his emotional connection with the people of Sikkim, the importance of the Northeast in India’s future growth, and the Centre’s focus on improving infrastructure, tourism and connectivity in the Himalayan state.The programme was attended by Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, Governor Om Prakash Mathur, ministers, legislators, officials and thousands of people from across the state. At the beginning of his address, Modi spoke about his earlier inability to visit Sikkim despite repeated invitations from the state leadership. He said he had carried that feeling with him for a long time.“The pain of not being able to come here remained within me for a long time,” the Prime Minister said while referring to his conversations with Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang. He said he often felt uncomfortable about not being able to visit the state earlier despite efforts made by the Sikkim government to invite him for the celebrations. According to Modi, finally being present at the 50th statehood celebration had ended that long wait. The Prime Minister described the people of Sikkim as peaceful, warm and simple. He said every visit and interaction with the people of the state gave him a feeling of calmness and positivity.
Before attending the public programme, Modi said he met several personalities from Sikkim, including Padma award winners, artists and football players. He said discussions were held on different subjects connected to culture, sports and development in the state.The Prime Minister also recalled the roadshow held in Gangtok on Monday evening and said the scenes witnessed there reflected the spirit of national unity.According to him, people carrying the national flag and raising slogans such as “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram” created an atmosphere that reflected the idea of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”. He said the participation of people from different communities dressed in traditional attire and taking part in cultural performances showed the strength of India’s diversity and unity. Modi said he was particularly touched to see women, elderly people and children gathering in large numbers during the roadshow and public events to welcome him. During his speech, the Prime Minister also praised the cleanliness maintained across Sikkim. He said the state had set an example for the rest of the country through its efforts towards environmental protection and cleanliness. “The people of Sikkim are true protectors and brand ambassadors of nature,” he said. He urged people from different parts of the country to visit Sikkim and learn from the state’s approach towards maintaining cleanliness and protecting the environment. The Prime Minister congratulated the people of Sikkim on the completion of 50 years of statehood and said every generation that contributed towards the state’s development deserved recognition and respect.
He described Sikkim’s development journey as one based on human values, cultural preservation and balanced growth. According to him, the state had managed to protect its traditions and identity while continuing to move forward with development.Modi also praised the state government led by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and said efforts were being made to preserve Sikkim’s traditions while also focusing on development projects and public welfare.Referring to the Northeast as India’s “Ashta Lakshmi,” the Prime Minister said the region played an important role in the country’s future growth and development. He said the Centre viewed northeastern states as a major strength of the country and added that the government was moving ahead not only with its “Act East” policy but also with what he described as an “Act Fast” approach for faster development in the region. The Prime Minister said several infrastructure and connectivity projects had been launched in northeastern states over the past few years to improve transportation, tourism, trade and economic opportunities. During the programme, Modi also announced and inaugurated several development projects linked to Sikkim. He said projects worth thousands of crores of rupees connected to infrastructure, tourism, roads and development sectors were being taken forward to strengthen the state’s growth.He said improving connectivity in hill states like Sikkim remained important because better roads, transport and tourism infrastructure could create employment opportunities and improve economic activity for local communities.The Prime Minister also highlighted the Centre’s focus on tourism development in the Northeast and said states like Sikkim had strong potential because of their natural beauty, cultural heritage and biodiversity. According to Modi, tourism linked to spirituality, nature and adventure activities could help create long-term economic opportunities for people living in mountain regions.