Gangtok: Framing Sikkim as a global model of environmental stewardship, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the state’s people are “nature’s biggest brand ambassadors,” highlighting its cleanliness, success in organic farming, and deeply rooted culture of conservation while addressing the golden jubilee celebrations at Paljor Stadium.
Opening his address with vivid imagery, Modi described Sikkim as the “heaven of the East,” where “the colours are different—from the rain in the evening to the sunshine in the morning,” and said the state’s peace is “for the lucky few.” Recalling his visit to the Orchidium in Gangtok, he remarked that anyone who has not seen Sikkim’s orchids is “missing out on everything,” underscoring the state’s rich biodiversity.
The Prime Minister praised the spotless streets and clean air, noting that “far and wide, there was no dirt,” and credited citizens for embedding environmental protection into daily life.
He pointed out that over 25 per cent of India’s floral diversity is found in Sikkim and highlighted the state’s pioneering achievement of becoming fully organic nearly a decade ago. Calling the organic model an “inspiration for the world,” he announced an organic processing plant to strengthen agricultural value chains. He also cited initiatives such as “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” and Sikkim’s “Mero Rukh Mero Santati” as examples of people-led conservation.
Positioning the Northeast as India’s “Ashtalakshmi,” Modi said Sikkim plays a central role in the region’s growth story, driven by the Centre’s “Act East, Act Fast” policy aimed at accelerating connectivity and economic integration.
Marking 50 years since Sikkim’s merger with India, the Prime Minister announced that over 30 projects across road, power, health, and education sectors have either been inaugurated or had foundation stones laid.
He said the government has prioritised restoring and strengthening connectivity in vulnerable areas, particularly after the challenges faced in North Sikkim in 2023, ensuring that even remote villages remain connected.
Tourism emerged as a key focus area, with Modi announcing infrastructure upgrades including skywalks at Bhaleydhunga and Singshore, expansion of major highways such as NH-10, and ongoing efforts to improve railway connectivity.
He said around 1,000 homestays are being developed to boost local employment and promote community-based tourism. Referring to the appeal of Kangchenjunga, he added that improved connectivity would encourage more visitors to return to Sikkim.
Encouraging economic self-reliance, Modi urged citizens and tourists to adopt “vocal for local” by consuming local food and purchasing indigenous products. He noted that Self-Help Groups in Sikkim have emerged as strong examples of women’s empowerment and rural enterprise.
On sports, he said Sikkim’s athletes have brought pride to the nation, with support being expanded under the Khelo India programme, including a state-of-the-art boxing academy and archery infrastructure. He also highlighted ongoing improvements in healthcare facilities across the state.
Reflecting on the celebrations, Modi said the packed stadium and cultural performances reflected the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” showcasing unity in diversity at a time when “the world is often divided.”
He described the welcome during his roadshow—with tricolours and community performances—as a “Mahotsav grown in the garden of nature.”
The Prime Minister also recalled that he had previously been unable to visit Sikkim due to bad weather and had addressed the state virtually from Bagdogra.
Saying he had long wished to visit in person, he added that meeting Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (P.S. Golay) and the people of Sikkim brought him “a different kind of satisfaction,” praising the simplicity reflected in their smiles.
Taking a swipe at previous governments, Modi said several ongoing development works could have been completed earlier, asserting that the present administration is focused on fast-tracking long-pending infrastructure.
Concluding with a forward-looking vision, he urged citizens to build on the achievements of the past 50 years and work towards the next milestone under Viksit Bharat 2047, asking, “What will we do for the next 100 years?”
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