Thu May 29 10:30:48 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

On May 29, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the “Sikkim@50” program virtually, celebrating 50 years of Sikkim’s statehood in India. He praised Sikkim’s democratic choice to join India, its environmental sustainability, and its potential as a global tourism hub and sports powerhouse. He announced infrastructure projects including the Pelling Ropeway and the development of Soreng district as India’s first organic fishery cluster. The event also included the release of a commemorative postage stamp.

**News Article:**

**Modi Envisions “Golden” Future for Sikkim on 50th Anniversary of Statehood**

**Bagdogra, West Bengal – May 29, 2025** – Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed the “Sikkim@50” program virtually, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Sikkim’s accession to the Indian Union. Speaking from Bagdogra, after weather prevented his travel to Gangtok, Modi lauded Sikkim’s democratic integration into India and its achievements in environmental sustainability and economic development.

“Sikkim chose a democratic future and became not just geographically but emotionally a part of India’s soul,” the Prime Minister stated, referring to the 1975 referendum. He highlighted the state’s high per-capita income, 100% organic farming, and commitment to environmental protection.

Modi envisioned Sikkim as a future global hub for tourism and a powerhouse in sports, emphasizing its unique combination of nature, spirituality, and peace. He announced plans to develop Soreng district as India’s first organic fishery cluster and inaugurated infrastructure projects, including the Pelling Ropeway, aimed at improving connectivity and accessibility.

The Prime Minister stressed that the Central government would support passenger ropeways in areas where road construction is challenging. Investment commitments from industrialists were also expected to generate employment opportunities in the region.

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, who attended the event, invited Prime Minister Modi to visit Sikkim later in the year. A commemorative ₹50 postage stamp was released to mark the anniversary.

The Prime Minister concluded by stating, “The time has come for Sikkim to be more than a hill station”.

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