GANGTOK, May 16 : Sikkim occupied the national spotlight on Saturday as two senior leaders of the union government – Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan and union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia – participated in engagements that underlined the Himalayan state’s rising strategic, cultural and ecological significance.
The visit of Vice-President Radhakrishnan to attend the 51st State Day celebrations and union Minister Scindia’s focus on biodiversity and sustainable tourism, together reflected the Centre’s increasing emphasis on Sikkim as a model state balancing development, heritage conservation and environmental sustainability.
VP Radhakrishnan arrived in Gangtok on an official visit and was accorded a warm reception at Lok Bhawan by Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.
Among those present to receive the Vice-President were the Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Deputy Speaker, ministers, legislators, senior civil and police officials, State Protocol officers and representatives of the Indian Army.
The Vice-President attended the 51st State Day celebrations on Saturday, an event seen as symbolically important in highlighting Sikkim’s journey since becoming the 22nd state of the Indian union in 1975.
VP Radhakrishnan described Sikkim as “green, organic, neat and clean”, and remarked that Sikkim is not only organic in agriculture but also “organic by character”. He stated that Sikkim stands as a shining example of what harmony between nature, culture and governance can achieve.
The Vice President launched “Sikkim Rise”, a government-backed entrepreneurship programme designed to transform innovative ideas into scalable businesses through mentorship, incubation, funding and infrastructure support. He also witnessed a cultural programme showcasing the traditional attire and rich heritage of various communities, including the Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali communities.
Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Scidia visited the Orchidarium at the Swarna Jayanti Maitreya Manjari Complex in Ridge Park, Gangtok.
The Orchidarium, known for preserving rare and indigenous orchid species, represents Sikkim’s rich floral diversity and its sustained emphasis on biodiversity conservation and eco-tourism. During his visit, the minister interacted with officials regarding orchid preservation techniques, species management and the layout of the facility.
Impressed by the institution, Scindia reportedly remarked that the Orchidarium was so extensive and aesthetically curated that one could spend an entire day exploring it. After touring the glass preservation atrium and admiring the d cor, he signed the visitors’ book before concluding his visit.
He also attended the State Day celebrations along with VP Radhakrishnan. In a post on X, he said that Vice President Radhakrishnan inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 21 DoNER-supported projects worth Rs223 crore, spanning connectivity, tourism, education, organic agriculture and critical public infrastructure, “reaffirming PM Modi’s unwavering commitment towards Sikkim’s sustainable and inclusive growth trajectory”.
On Friday, the Minister reviewed the progress of the ambitious Bhaleydhunga Skywalk Project in Namchi, being developed at a height of 3,200m under the PM-DevINE scheme of the DoNER Ministry at a cost of Rs220 crore.
The back-to-back high-profile engagements have reinforced perceptions of Sikkim’s growing relevance not only as a strategically important Himalayan state, but also as a national example of ecological stewardship, cultural preservation and sustainable development.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had paid a two-day official visit to Sikkim on April 27-28, to mark the 50th Year of Sikkim’s Statehood celebrations, and had laid foundation stones for multiple multi-sectoral projects worth over Rs4,000 crore.
(UNI)
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