Gangtok – Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a virtual address marking Sikkim’s golden jubilee of statehood, laid out an ambitious roadmap for the northeastern state’s next phase of growth, focusing on tourism, sports, and startups. Celebrated under the theme ‘Sikkim@50: Where Progress Meets Purpose, and Nature Nurtures Growth’, the event commemorated the state’s transformative journey since it joined the Indian Union in 1975.
The Prime Minister’s message was clear: Sikkim must leverage its unique strengths to emerge as a global destination, not just a regional retreat. Speaking directly to the people of Sikkim, PM Modi stressed that the state’s identity should not remain confined to being a picturesque hill station. “The world is looking for meaningful travel experiences, and Sikkim offers a complete tourism package, from spiritual sanctuaries to breathtaking landscapes,” he said.
He underscored that Sikkim’s rich heritage — including sites like Kanchenjunga National Park, Buddhist monasteries, and high-altitude lakes — positions it well to attract international visitors. The state, he noted, has the potential to redefine tourism in the country.
Pushing Beyond Conventional Tourism
Modi highlighted that Sikkim should emerge as a center for conference tourism, wellness retreats, and concert venues. The recently constructed Golden Jubilee Convention Centre is expected to catalyze this vision. “We must create an environment where global artists and wellness seekers are drawn to Gangtok, not just for its beauty, but for its culture and modern amenities,” he said.
Further emphasizing the potential for adventure sports, PM Modi mentioned activities such as mountain biking, trekking, and high-altitude athletic training as key opportunities. These, he said, would not only attract enthusiasts from across the world but also create employment and entrepreneurship avenues for local youth.
Infrastructure and Development Milestones
During the event, several high-profile projects were launched, showcasing the central government’s commitment to the state’s development. These included the 500-bedded District Hospital in Namchi, worth over ₹750 crore, a passenger ropeway at Sangachoeling in Gyalshing, and the statue of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Atal Amrit Udyan in Gangtok.
“These projects symbolize the speed and scale at which Sikkim is moving forward,” the Prime Minister noted. He stated that infrastructure expansion must go hand-in-hand with environmental preservation, and Sikkim’s reputation for organic farming and ecological balance must be strengthened as its tourism sector grows.
Startups and Economic Vision for 2047
Modi’s address also painted a picture of Sikkim as a rising hub for startups, particularly in the organic agriculture and wellness sectors. Referencing the recent Northeast Investment Summit held in Delhi, he said the region, including Sikkim, is drawing increased attention from domestic and global investors.
He called for digital innovation, global employability, and future-oriented skill development to become foundational to Sikkim’s youth development policies. “Let’s prepare our young people not just for jobs here, but for the world stage,” said the Prime Minister.
With India targeting developed nation status by 2047, the centenary year of its independence, Modi stressed the importance of synchronized state and national planning. “We must decide today how Sikkim should look by its 75th year of statehood,” he stated, calling for a multi-pronged approach that includes green energy, smart housing, and sustainable tourism.
Focus on Sports: Sikkim’s Role in India’s Olympic Aspirations
The Prime Minister praised Sikkim’s contribution to Indian sports, highlighting icons like Bhaichung Bhutia, Tarundeep Rai, and Jaslal Pradhan. He stressed that sports must evolve from being just a form of participation to a domain of excellence.
“Sikkim’s youth can be at the forefront of India’s Olympic success,” Modi stated, adding that initiatives under the Khelo India scheme are being aggressively expanded in the state to support training, talent identification, and sports infrastructure.
A new sports complex in Gangtok will serve as a central training hub. “We don’t want to just send players to participate; we want to send champions,” he emphasized, hinting at broader ambitions for India’s sporting future.
A Stand Against Terrorism and Call for National Unity
PM Modi’s speech also took a serious turn when he addressed the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which he called “an attack on humanity.” He said the government responded firmly with ‘Operation Sindoor’, dismantling several Pakistani airbases, underscoring India’s capacity to protect its citizens and national interest.
“This was not just about counterterrorism. It was about demonstrating our collective strength and unwavering resolve,” he said, reiterating his message of unity and resilience.
Celebrating the Past, Building the Future
To commemorate the historic day, a special coin, souvenir coin, and postage stamp were released, symbolizing 50 years of Sikkim’s integration into the Indian Republic. Modi said that these symbols are not just ceremonial, but reminders of a resilient and progressive journey.
“Sikkim’s story is about how tradition and modernity can co-exist,” Modi said. He urged the people to stay committed to progress while preserving their cultural roots and ecological heritage.
Green Model State: The Vision for the Next 25 Years
One of the Prime Minister’s most compelling visions was transforming Sikkim into a Green Model State. He laid out a comprehensive blueprint for the next quarter-century: universal access to solar energy, secure housing, and a thriving agro-startup ecosystem.
“Sikkim must set the benchmark for sustainable development, not just for India but for the world,” he said. The Prime Minister outlined how organic food exports, tourism-based entrepreneurship, and digitally empowered youth will be central to this model.
The vision is not just aspirational but actionable, with investments already underway in healthcare, transportation, and education. With focused execution, Modi believes that Sikkim can emerge as a global case study in sustainable development.
As Sikkim enters its second half-century as a state of the Indian Union, the Prime Minister’s address charted a clear, confident path forward. With its unique mix of natural wealth, cultural depth, and youthful energy, Sikkim stands at a strategic inflection point. The government’s focus on infrastructure, tourism, sports, and entrepreneurship is designed not just to elevate the state’s profile, but to integrate it more deeply into India’s national growth story. As Modi put it, “The next 25 years are not just a countdown; they are a commitment to transformation.”
