PM Modi Addresses Sikkim's 50th Foundation Day Virtually Due to Bad Weather
PM Modi Unable to Attend Sikkim's 50th Anniversary Celebration
Prime Minister Narendra Modi could not attend the 50th anniversary celebration of Sikkim's establishment in Gangtok on Thursday due to adverse weather conditions, as reported by officials. In a virtual address, he congratulated the people of Sikkim on this significant milestone, expressing his desire to join the festivities. He stated, "I set out from Delhi early in the morning and reached Bagdogra, but the weather prevented me from proceeding further... However, I see a wonderful scene before me, with people all around... I apologize to all of you. But as the Chief Minister has invited me, I assure you that whenever the state government decides, I will come to Sikkim and celebrate the 50 years of the state with you..."
Digital Address to Sikkim's Foundation Day Ceremony
On Thursday, PM Modi addressed the foundation day event of Sikkim digitally. He extended his congratulations to the state's residents on their 50th anniversary. Officials noted that due to the inclement weather, he was unable to attend the celebrations in Gangtok. Instead, he connected with the people of Sikkim via video conference from Bagdogra in West Bengal. During his address, Modi expressed, "I wanted to be part of the foundation day celebrations in Gangtok, but the weather disrupted my plans." He praised the people of Sikkim, stating, "Sikkim is a pride of the nation, and its people believe in democracy."
Sikkim Sets an Example in Nature Conservation
The Prime Minister highlighted that Sikkim, rich in biodiversity, has set a benchmark in nature conservation. He mentioned the increasing export of organic products from the state as a significant achievement. Modi also noted Sikkim's potential to become a hub for adventure sports. He emphasized that the government, led by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), is committed to making India a sports powerhouse and aims for the Northeast to progress in this direction. He added, "Our government's main focus is on connectivity; the Sevok-Rangpo project will link Sikkim to the railway network."
Operation Sindoor: A Strong Response to Terrorism
Referring to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and India's response through 'Operation Sindoor', he stated, "What happened in Pahalgam was an attack on humanity, and now we stand united in the fight against terrorism." He remarked, "Operation Sindoor is a strong response to those spreading terror in our country." Officials confirmed that PM Modi's planned visit to the golden jubilee celebration at Paljor Stadium in Gangtok was canceled due to the weather. During the event, he was expected to release a commemorative coin, a souvenir, and a postage stamp marking the 50 years of Sikkim's statehood. Additionally, he was set to inaugurate and lay the foundation for several projects, including a 500-bed district hospital in Namchi costing over ₹750 crores, a passenger ropeway in Pelling, and a statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Atal Amrit Udyan in Gangtok.