Sikkim is nation’s pride, says PM Modi

BIJOY GURUNG

GANGTOK, : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured the people of Sikkim to visit the Himalayan State and beamong them to witness the year-long Statehood Golden Jubilee celebrations later this year.

“Today was a special occasion celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Sikkim’s democratic journey. I eagerly wanted to be present here among you and witness this festival of 50 years of a successful journey. I reached Bagdogra after leaving Delhi early morning but weather prevented me from moving forward, hence I could not get the opportunity to be directly with you,” expressed the Prime Minister via video conferencing on Thursday.

He was addressing the gathering at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok virtually as inclement weather did not permit onward air trip from Bagdogra airport. The capital town was covered under clouds since early morning with the skies clearing up a little only in afternoon hours.

The Prime Minister lauded the massive gathering and the grand visuals coming from Paljor Stadium, sharing that he was keen to be among the people of Sikkim for the historic Statehood Golden Jubilee celebrations, and witness the energy and enthusiasm of the people in person.

However, as the Chief Minister has invited me, I will definitely come to Sikkim whenever the State government decides, I will meet you and be a witness of this journey of 50 years, he assured the people of Sikkim.

Earlier in his welcome speech, Chief Minister PS Golay had shared to the Prime Minister that the Statehood Golden Jubilee celebration will be held for one year in Sikkim. We are celebrating the historic occasion like a festival for one year and whenever the weather is favourable during October-November, Sikkim will be grateful for your visit and blessings, he requested the Prime Minister.

In his speech, Modi also praised the efforts made by Chief Minister PS Golay to make elaborate preparations for the Golden Jubilee celebrations at Paljor Stadium. Such a grand programme had been arranged, I was regularly hearing and seeing that the Chief Minister himself was involved so energetically to make the occasion memorable, he said, adding that the Chief Minister had met himin Delhi twice to invite him for the Golden Jubilee celebrations.

He congratulated the people of Sikkim for the 50^th Statehood Day occasion.

The Prime Minister recalled 50 years ago, people of Sikkim decided to be a part of democracy with the faith that all voices would be heard and their rights protected along with equal opportunities for development. Today I can say that the trust of every family of Sikkim has been regularly strengthened and the nation has seen the results with the progress made by Sikkim, he said.

Modi expressed that Sikkim today is the pride of the nation and in these five decades, Sikkim has become a model of sustainable development, a vast garden of biodiversity, a fully organic State, and among those States with highest per capita income.

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 centre 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 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.