Guwahati, May 29: Marking 50 years since Sikkim’s statehood, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the grand Sikkim@50 celebration via videoconferencing on Wednesday, unveiling a sweeping vision to position the Himalayan state as a global model for sustainable development, organic innovation, and youth-driven progress.
Despite being unable to attend in person due to inclement weather, the Prime Minister lauded Sikkim’s transformation into a beacon of ecological harmony and economic growth. “Sikkim is the pride of the nation,” he declared, noting its status as India’s first 100% organic state, its high per capita income, and its role as a biodiversity sanctuary.
In his address themed “Where Progress Meets Purpose, and Nature Nurtures Growth,” Modi unveiled several landmark initiatives:
A 500-bed hospital in Namchi (₹750 crore)
Passenger ropeways in Pelling
A statue of Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Gangtok’s Atal Amrit Udyan
Launch of India’s first organic fisheries cluster in Soreng
He also released a commemorative coin, stamp, and souvenir to mark the occasion.
Modi emphasized that Sikkim’s organic produce, including the recently exported Dalle Khursani chili, was setting new benchmarks for Indian agriculture. He announced that the central government is closely working with the state to scale up agro-startups and organic exports.
Connectivity and infrastructure were key highlights, with the PM announcing progress on the Sevoke-Rangpo rail link, the Bagdogra-Gangtok Expressway, and a network of new roads and ropeways. He asserted that Sikkim’s integration into India’s economic mainstream was now accelerating, with recent national investments poised to generate new jobs across the Northeast.
Calling Sikkim a “complete tourism package,” the PM urged the state to evolve beyond its hill station identity and position itself globally as a hub for spiritual, adventure, and wellness tourism. The newly inaugurated Golden Jubilee Convention Centre is part of this strategic push, with Modi envisioning it hosting international conferences and concerts.
In a forward-looking call to action, Modi proposed a 25-year roadmap leading to 2047—India’s centenary of independence and Sikkim’s 75th year as a state. He set ambitious goals:
Achieving universal solar power
Becoming a global leader in agro-tourism and organic exports
Promoting waste-to-wealth initiatives
Empowering youth with globally relevant skills
“Sikkim should become a Green Model State not just for India, but for the world,” Modi declared, urging citizens to take a collective pledge to elevate the state’s heritage and future.
The event was attended by Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, and other dignitaries. The state government has announced a year-long celebration under the theme “Sunaulo, Samriddha and Samarth Sikkim” to showcase Sikkim’s cultural and developmental journey.
Also Read: Sikkim: Accused in POCSO case escapes custody
Also Watch
Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.
Also, Follow us on-
Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub
Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020
Instagram- www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub
Download our app from playstore – Northeast Media Hub
