New Delhi, May 18 : Marking a historic milestone, Sikkim united in celebrating the closing of 50 glorious years of Statehood in the esteemed presence of the Vice President, Mr C P Radhakrishnan, at Manan Kendra, on Saturday.
The event had the presence of Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Mr Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Governor, Government of Sikkim, Mr Om Prakash Mathur, Chief Minister, Mr Prem Singh Tamang, Madam Krishna Rai,
Addressing the gathering, the Vice President of India praised Sikkim as a model of harmony, sustainability and disciplined living. He said he felt honoured to participate in the Statehood Day celebrations and described Sikkim as “organic not only in agriculture but also in character.”
Recalling his road journey to Gangtok, the Vice President stated that he witnessed warmth, dignity, cleanliness and civic discipline among the people of the state. Calling Sikkim a shining example of harmony between nature, culture and governance, he remarked that the state had demonstrated how development and environmental conservation could progress together. He also described Sikkim as a “sentinel of the nation” considering its strategic importance.
Praising the state’s tourism sector and eco-tourism initiatives, the Vice President described Gangtok’s MG Marg as an example for the rest of the country in terms of cleanliness and civic management. He urged tourists visiting the state to respect local culture, traditions and cleanliness standards. Referring to the Swachh Bharat Mission, he stated that behavioural change gradually evolves into a social habit through sustained public participation and awareness.
The Vice President further appreciated the state’s improving connectivity, including railway expansion and tourism infrastructure projects, and expressed hope of visiting Sikkim again in the near future. Concluding his address, he extended his best wishes for continued peace, prosperity and progress for the people of Sikkim.
Union Minister Mr Jyotiraditya Scindia, in his address, praised Sikkim’s development journey, organic farming success and upcoming connectivity projects, describing the state as a symbol of peace, pride and progress.
He lauded several landmark tourism and infrastructure initiatives, including the Bhaleydunga ropeway project, which he described as unique in the world. He also praised Buddha Park at Ravangla and appreciated Sikkim’s orchid conservation efforts led by GMC commissioner, Mr Gayden Chopel Bhutia, noting that the state’s Orchidarium had earned recognition from Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi for its uniqueness.
Highlighting connectivity initiatives, the Union Minister informed that nearly 710 kilometres of National Highway projects are currently underway in Sikkim. He further announced that alternative highway routes connecting Singtam to Melli and Melli to Sevoke would also be developed.
Reiterating the Government of India’s commitment towards improving connectivity in the Northeast, he stated that railway connectivity to Sikkim would soon become a reality and expressed hope that railway services in the state would be inaugurated within the next year.
On agriculture, he described Sikkim as a global benchmark for organic farming and stated that around 70,000 farming families are engaged in organic cultivation across the state. He also announced the development of three new cold storage facilities to strengthen the organic supply chain and agricultural infrastructure. Concluding his address, he remarked that Sikkim’s story reflected a journey of peace, a journey of pride, and a journey of progress.
Governor, Mr Om Prakash Mathur, while addressing the gathering, called upon the people of Sikkim to work collectively towards making the state cleaner, greener, more prosperous and a model for the nation.
Welcoming the Vice President of India and the Union Minister, the Governor extended Statehood Day greetings to all Sikkimese residing within the country and abroad. Referring to Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi’s recent visit during the golden jubilee celebrations, he said the Prime Minister had described Sikkim as the “Paradise of the North East” and praised the state for reflecting the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.” He stated that such appreciation had become a matter of pride and inspiration for the people of Sikkim.
The Governor remarked that as Sikkim entered its 51st year of statehood, the state was stepping into a new phase of youthful energy and development. He urged every citizen to contribute towards making villages, localities and public spaces cleaner, greener and more beautiful.
He further stated that both the Central Government and the Ministry of DoNER remained committed to supporting Sikkim’s development initiatives and assured continued assistance for infrastructure, tourism and connectivity projects.
Highlighting the state’s strategic importance, the Governor referred to tourism projects under the battlefield tourism initiative at Chola, Doklam and Nathula and stated that these projects would strengthen tourism and economic opportunities in the region. He also praised the state’s Orchidarium and noted that Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi had highly appreciated Sikkim’s orchid conservation efforts during his recent visit.
Expressing confidence in the future growth of tourism in the state, the Governor urged citizens and stakeholders to prepare for a significant rise in tourist arrivals and continue welcoming visitors with warmth and hospitality. He also lauded the resilience and patriotism of people residing in high-altitude border areas and stated that their courage and dedication strengthened the spirit of both Sikkim and the nation.
Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang, in his address, paid tribute to Sikkim’s founding leaders, highlighted the state’s developmental achievements and reaffirmed Sikkim’s commitment towards national unity and the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047.”
Paying homage to the first Chief Minister of Sikkim, late Kazi Lhendup Dorjee, who was posthumously conferred the Padma Vibhushan, the Chief Minister stated that his contributions towards strengthening democracy, social justice and public welfare in Sikkim would always be remembered with pride and honour.
Welcoming the Vice President of India, the Chief Minister described his presence at the Statehood Day celebration as a matter of pride for the people of Sikkim. He noted that despite adverse weather conditions, the Vice President travelled to the state by road during his first visit to Sikkim, making the occasion historically significant. He also welcomed Union Minister Mr Jyotiraditya Scindia and appreciated his dedication towards nation-building.
Reflecting on Sikkim’s journey as the 22nd state of India, the Chief Minister stated that the state had made remarkable progress over the past five decades in sectors such as education, healthcare, tourism, organic farming, environmental conservation and infrastructure, emerging as a model state for the country.
Recalling Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi’s recent visit during the golden jubilee celebrations, he stated that the Prime Minister had described Sikkim as “Purva ka Swarg” or the “Paradise of the East” while appreciating the state’s achievements in sustainable development, cleanliness and biodiversity conservation.
The Chief Minister further stated that Sikkim’s progress had been built upon unity, discipline, hard work and public participation. Reaffirming the state’s commitment towards the vision of “Vikshit Bharat 2047,” he said that Team Sikkim would continue working with dedication under the leadership of the Prime Minister towards building a developed India.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister thanked the Governor, legislators, officials, security personnel and the people of Sikkim for their continued support and participation in making the 51st Statehood Day celebrations a grand success.
Thereafter, the Vice President of India and Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Mr Jyotiraditya M. Scindia were presented with a Silver Statue of Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava, a commemorative Silver Coin and a Thangka.
The programme also witnessed the virtual release, launch, foundation stone laying, and inauguration of various projects, including:
I. Foundation Stone Laying of Upgradation of the Rimbi–Yuksam Road under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS–Roads) in Gyalshing District.
Protective Works and Bridge along the NH-10 (Mayfair Fatak) to IBP–Adampool–Banjhakri Falls corridor.
Construction of Bridge over Rongrong Khola at Assam Lingzey–Pakyong Road.
Construction of Steel Bridge over Rangpo Khola under NESIDS (Roads) at Yangang, Namchi District.
II. Inaugurations:
The projects inaugurated include:
Remodelling and Upgradation of Burtuk Heliport, Gangtok.
Tourism Infrastructure as Support Facility for Passenger Ropeway Project at Upper Dhappar, Namchi.
Science Block at Kamrang Government Degree College, Namchi.
Industrial Training Institute (ITI) at Aritar, Pakyong.
III. Launches:
Sikkim Excise Management System (SEMS)
Empowering Organic Growth: A proposal for ICS strengthening Market Outreach and Trade Facilitation under NESIDS-OTRI.
IV. Release:
Release of Book “Revitalisation of Gangtok’s Historic Core: Concept Plan” by Urban Development Department.
Sikkim Rise- Realising Ideas, Shaping Entrepreneurship by Commerce & Industries Department.
The programme also featured a series of cultural presentations, including:
Broadway Show by the artists of Culture Department
Screening of documentary film on Sikkim by IPR Department
Singing of Song (Jaha Bagcha Teesta Rangit) by the artists of Culture Department.
Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Chief Secretary, Mr R Telang, who also read the letter sent by Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi, congratulating Sikkim on it’s Statehood Day.
Also present were Speaker, SLA, Deputy Speaker, SLA, Council of Ministers, MLAs, Advisors, Mayor, GMC, Deputy Mayor, GMC, Adakshyas, Upa-Adakshyas, Chairpersons, OSDs, Councillors, Cabinet Secretary cum Chief Administrator, Chief Secretary, DGP, Additional Chief Secretary’s, HODs, Senior Government Officers and other dignitaries.
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