Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday commended Sikkim for embodying the vision of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' (One India, Great India) during the state's 50th Year of Statehood celebrations at Paljor Stadium in Gangtok.
He highlighted ongoing attempts to divide the nation based on linguistic chauvinism, regionalism, and social hierarchy, emphasising that Sikkim's cultural programme offered a compelling display of India's unity and diversity. “Due to political interests, at a time when attempts are being made to sow divisions within the nation in forms of linguistic chauvinism, regionalism, and social hierarchy, Sikkim has today offered us a true glimpse of the vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’,” the Prime Minister said. “In this small programme, they beautifully showcased the diversity and unity of our nation.”
Addressing the artists and choreographers involved in the cultural performance, he said, “Today we are celebrating 50 years of Sikkim. When an occasion is historic and takes place amidst such a divine atmosphere, its grandeur is magnified manifold. This stadium is filled with that wondrous aura. I congratulate the artists and choreographers. I want the media to show this event on repeat.”
Referring to Sikkim as “Purv ka garv” (the pride of the East), PM Modi praised the state’s unique natural beauty and conveyed his appreciation for its tranquil environment and spiritual ambience. He recalled a previous visit that was cancelled due to bad weather, adding, “Last time, I could not come due to bad weather and had to connect online. I was left with a lingering ache to come here. Whenever I met Prem Singh ji, my eyes would lower. Today, the wait is over.”
During his two-day visit, the Prime Minister expressed admiration for the local orchids and commended the people of Sikkim for maintaining clean roads. He encouraged tourists to visit the state in record numbers this year, stating, “I also visited the orchids. I spent more time there than in my schedule. To nature-loving tourists, I would say, if you have not seen Sikkim’s orchids, you have not seen anything at all. This time, I am confident that Sikkim will break all records of tourism. In the orchid, I beheld that colour, that exuberance. My mind still remains immersed in it.”
Reflecting on his roadshow the previous day, PM Modi said, “The best thing I liked during my roadshow was the cleanliness of the roads of Sikkim. I salute all of you for this. The people of Sikkim are true brand ambassadors of nature. Therefore, I urge the people of the country to visit Sikkim.”
Earlier on Tuesday, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth over Rs 4,000 crore at the closing ceremony of Sikkim’s 50th Year of Statehood celebrations. According to a press release by the Prime Minister’s Office, these projects cover a broad spectrum of sectors including infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare, education, power, urban development, environment, tourism and agriculture, with the goal of accelerating holistic and inclusive development in the state.