The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the ‘Sikkim@50’ programme in Gangtok via videoconferencing today. The theme of the event was ‘Where Progress Meets Purpose, and Nature Nurtures Growth’. Speaking on the occasion, he greeted the people of Sikkim on this special day, marking the 50th anniversary of the statehood of Sikkim. He said that he wanted to witness the fervor, energy and enthusiasm of the people in person, but due to inclement weather, he could not be present. He promised to visit Sikkim in near future and be part of their achievements and celebrations. The Prime Minister remarked that today was the day to celebrate their achievements of the past 50 years, lauding the Sikkim Chief Minister and his team’s energy in making the grand event memorable. He once again greeted the people of Sikkim on the golden jubilee celebrations of their statehood.
“50 years ago, Sikkim charted a democratic future for itself. The people of Sikkim not only connected with India's geography but also with its soul”, said Shri Modi, remarking that there was a belief that when every voice is heard and rights are secured, equal opportunities for development will emerge. He stated that today, the trust of every family in Sikkim has grown stronger. Shri Modi emphasized that the country has witnessed the results of this trust in Sikkim’s remarkable progress. “Sikkim is the pride of the nation”, he declared, noting that over the past 50 years, Sikkim has become a model of progress alongside nature. It has transformed into a vast sanctuary of biodiversity, achieved the status of a 100% organic state, and emerged as a symbol of cultural and heritage prosperity. Shri Modi highlighted that today, Sikkim is among the states with the highest per capita income in the country. These achievements, he affirmed, are a testament to the capabilities of the people of Sikkim. Shri Modi recognized the many stars that have emerged from Sikkim over the last five decades, illuminating India's horizon. He acknowledged the contribution of every community in Sikkim towards its rich culture and prosperity.
Emphasizing that since 2014, his government has followed the principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas—development for all, with everyone’s support, the Prime Minister highlighted that a developed India requires balanced development, ensuring that no region is left behind while another progresses. “Every state and region of India has its own unique strengths, keeping this vision in mind, the government has placed the Northeast at the center of development in the past decade”, stated the Prime Minister, underscoring, "Government is advancing the 'Act East' policy with the spirit of 'Act Fast’”. Recalling the recent Northeast Investment Summit which took place in Delhi, the Prime Minister said that leading industrialists and major investors participated in the event, who announced significant investments across the Northeast, including Sikkim. He stated that in the coming years, this will generate numerous employment opportunities for the youth of Sikkim and the Northeast region.
“Today’s event offers a glimpse into Sikkim’s future journey”, remarked Shri Modi, highlighting that several projects related to Sikkim’s development have been inaugurated and foundation stones have been laid. He emphasized that these projects will enhance healthcare, tourism, cultural, and sports facilities in the region. He extended his heartfelt congratulations to everyone on the successful launch of these projects.
“Sikkim, along with the entire Northeast, is becoming a shining chapter in India's development story”, exclaimed the Prime Minister, highlighting that where distance from Delhi once posed a barrier to progress, the same region is now opening new doors of opportunities. He emphasized that the biggest reason for this transformation is the improvement in connectivity, a change that the people of Sikkim have witnessed firsthand. The Prime Minister further recalled a time when travel for education, healthcare, and employment was a major challenge. However, he noted that the situation has changed significantly over the past decade. He pointed out that nearly 400 kilometers of new national highways have been built in Sikkim during this period. Hundreds of kilometers of new roads have been constructed in villages. Remarking that the construction of Atal Setu has enhanced Sikkim’s connectivity with Darjeeling, Shri Modi said that work is progressing rapidly on the road linking Sikkim with Kalimpong. He added that the Bagdogra-Gangtok Expressway will make travel to and from Sikkim much easier. Looking ahead, he announced plans to connect this expressway with the Gorakhpur-Siliguri Expressway, further strengthening the region’s infrastructure.
Highlighting the efforts to connect the capital cities of all Northeastern states to the railway network are progressing rapidly, Shri Modi underlined that the Sevoke-Rangpo rail line will integrate Sikkim into the national rail network. He emphasized that where roads cannot be built, ropeways are being constructed as an alternative. Shri Modi also noted that several ropeway projects were inaugurated earlier today, further improving convenience for the people of Sikkim. He remarked that in the past decade, India has advanced with new resolutions, and enhancing healthcare has remained a major priority. He pointed out that over the last 10-11 years, large hospitals have been established in every state. Shri Modi further highlighted the significant expansion of AIIMS and medical colleges across the country, announcing the dedication of a 500-bed hospital to the people of Sikkim to ensure quality healthcare for even the most underprivileged families.
The Prime Minister remarked that while the government is focused on building hospitals, it is also ensuring affordable and high-quality healthcare. He highlighted that under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, more than 25,000 people in Sikkim have received free treatment. He announced that across the country, all senior citizens above 70 years of age are now eligible for free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh. He further assured that families in Sikkim will no longer have to worry about their elderly members' healthcare, as the government will take care of their treatment.
“The foundation of a developed India rests on four strong pillars—empowerment of the poor, farmers, women, and youth”, stated Shri Modi, highlighting that the country is continuously strengthening these pillars. He praised the farmers of Sikkim, acknowledging their significant contributions to India’s agricultural advancements. “Sikkim is leading the way in the new wave of agricultural development”, said Shri Modi, emphasising that the export of organic products from Sikkim is increasing. He noted that recently, the famous Dalle Khursani chili from Sikkim was exported for the first time and the first consignment was sent abroad in March 2025. Shri Modi remarked that in the coming years, many more products from Sikkim will be exported globally. He affirmed that the central government is working shoulder to shoulder with the state government to support these efforts.
Underlining that the Union government has taken another step to further enrich Sikkim’s organic basket, the Prime Minister announced that the country’s first organic fisheries cluster is being established in Soreng district. He stated that this initiative will give Sikkim a new identity at both the national and global levels. Prime Minister emphasized that along with organic farming, Sikkim will now also be recognized for organic fishing, noting that there is a significant global demand for organic fish and fish products. He remarked that this development will create new opportunities for the youth of Sikkim in the fisheries sector.
Recalling the recent NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting in Delhi focused on the need for each state to develop a tourism destination that gains international recognition, Shri Modi emphasized that the time has come for Sikkim to evolve beyond being just a hill station and establish itself as a global tourism destination. “Sikkim’s potential is unmatched, offering a complete tourism package”, he stressed, highlighting that Sikkim is home to both natural beauty and spirituality as well as lakes, waterfalls, mountains, and serene Buddhist monasteries. Shri Modi pointed out that Kanchenjunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a heritage that fills not just India but the entire world with pride. He stated that today, as a new skywalk is being constructed, the Golden Jubilee Project is being inaugurated, and a statue of Atal Bihari Vajpayee is being unveiled, all these projects symbolize Sikkim’s new heights of progress.
“Sikkim has immense potential for adventure and sports tourism” , emphasised the Prime Minister, adding that activities such as trekking, mountain biking, and high-altitude training can thrive in the region. He stated that the vision is to establish Sikkim as a hub for conference tourism, wellness tourism, and concert tourism. Remarking that the Golden Jubilee Convention Center is a crucial part of this future preparation, the Prime Minister expressed his aspiration for renowned global artists to perform in the scenic landscapes of Gangtok and agree with the view that Sikkim perfectly embodies the harmony of nature and culture.
Highlighting that bringing G-20 Summit meetings to the Northeast was a step towards showcasing the region’s potential to the world, Shri Modi expressed his satisfaction with how the Sikkim government is swiftly bringing this vision to life. He stated that India is now a major global economic force and is on the path to becoming a sports superpower. He emphasized that the youth of the Northeast, especially Sikkim, will play a vital role in achieving this dream. Shri Modi acknowledged Sikkim’s rich sporting legacy, mentioning figures like football legend Bhaichung Bhutia, Olympian Tarundeep Rai, and athlete Jaslal Pradhan. He envisioned a future where every village and town in Sikkim produces a new champion. “Sports should not just be about participation but about winning with determination”, said Shri Modi, noting that the new sports complex in Gangtok will become a training ground for future champions. He emphasized that under the Khelo India scheme, Sikkim is receiving special attention. He highlighted that talent identification, training, technology, and tournaments are being supported at every level. He expressed confidence that the energy and passion of Sikkim’s youth will propel India to Olympic glory.
“The people of Sikkim understand the power of tourism and tourism is not just entertainment but a celebration of diversity”, remarked the Prime Minister. Underlining that the attack in Pahalgam was not just an assault on Indians but an attack on humanity and the spirit of brotherhood, he highlighted that the terrorists not only stole the happiness of many families but also attempted to divide the people of India. “Today, the world is witnessing India’s unprecedented unity and the nation has come together to send a clear message to terrorists and their supporters” declared Shri Modi. He stated that they caused pain by wiping the sindoor off the foreheads of Indian daughters, but India responded with Operation Sindoor against the perpetrators. He said that after the destruction of terrorist bases, Pakistan attempted to target Indian civilians and soldiers but was exposed in the process. Shri Modi emphasized that India responded by dismantling several of Pakistan’s airbases, demonstrating the nation’s strategic capabilities.
“Sikkim’s 50-year milestone as a state serves as an inspiration for all and the journey of development will now accelerate further”, stated Shri Modi. Underlining that 2047 will mark 100 years of India’s independence and 75 years of Sikkim as a state, he stressed the need to set goals for what Sikkim should look like at this milestone. Urging collective efforts to envision, plan, and periodically review a roadmap for Sikkim’s future, Shri Modi stressed on the importance of boosting Sikkim’s economy and shaping it into a ‘wellness state’. He remarked that special focus should be given to creating more opportunities for the youth. “Sikkim’s young generation must be prepared not just for local needs but also for global demands”, urged Shri Modi underlining the necessity of establishing new skill development opportunities in sectors where youth are in high demand worldwide.
The Prime Minister called upon everyone to take a collective pledge to propel Sikkim to the highest peak of development, heritage, and global recognition over the next 25 years. “Our dream is that Sikkim should become a Green Model State not only for India but for the entire world”, said the Prime Minister, emphasising the goal of ensuring a secure home for every citizen of Sikkim. He also underlined the vision of bringing solar-powered electricity to every household. “Sikkim should emerge as a leader in agro-startups and tourism startups and should establish its identity globally in organic food exports”, envisioned Shri Modi. He added that Sikkim should be a place where every citizen embraces digital transactions and a state where waste-to-wealth initiatives are elevated to new heights. “The next 25 years is dedicated to achieving these ambitious goals and establishing Sikkim’s presence on the global stage”, concluded Shri Modi urging everyone to move forward with this spirit and continue building upon their rich heritage.
The Governor of Sikkim, Shri Om Prakash Mathur, Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang were present among other dignitaries at the event.
Background
Marking 50 glorious years of Statehood, Prime Minister participated in Sikkim@50: Where Progress meets purpose and nature nurtures growth. The Government of Sikkim has planned a year long series of activities under the theme “Sunaulo, Samriddha and Samarth Sikkim”, celebrating the essence of Sikkim’s cultural richness, tradition, natural splendour and its history.
Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects in Sikkim. Projects include a new 500-bedded District hospital worth over Rs 750 crore in Namchi district; Passenger Ropeway at Sangachoeling, Pelling in Gyalshing District; Statue of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji at Atal Amrit Udyan at Sangkhola in Gangtok District among others.
Prime Minister also released the Commemorative coin, souvenir coin and stamp of 50 years of Statehood.
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Sikkim is the pride of the country: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/qiybL5ugiQ
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 29, 2025
Over the past decade, our government has placed the Northeast at the core of India's development journey.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 29, 2025
We are advancing the 'Act East' policy with the spirit of 'Act Fast': PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/ui8YZqUp27
Sikkim and the entire Northeast are emerging as a shining chapter in India's progress. pic.twitter.com/gPngdyYzPS
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 29, 2025
We endeavour to make Sikkim a global tourism destination. pic.twitter.com/k8gUCUZFVe
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 29, 2025
In the coming years, India is poised to emerge as a global sports superpower. The Yuva Shakti of the Northeast and Sikkim will play a pivotal role in realising this dream. pic.twitter.com/10MVtVFNp0
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 29, 2025
