Will PM Modi Join Sikkim's Golden Jubilee Celebrations?

New Delhi, May 28 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is poised to grace the golden jubilee festivities commemorating 50 years of Sikkim's statehood at the Paljor Stadium in Gangtok on Thursday, May 29, as per an official announcement from the Home Department.

Celebrating 50 remarkable years of statehood, the Prime Minister will be part of the event titled 'Sikkim@50: Where Progress Meets Purpose and Nature Nurtures Growth'. This momentous occasion will reflect on Sikkim's evolution from a monarchy to the 22nd state of India in 1975, following a referendum that facilitated the integration of the erstwhile Chogyal kingdom with the Indian Union.

The northeastern state, being India's second smallest, achieved full statehood on May 16, 1975. This accession was accompanied by a unique constitutional safeguard -- Article 371F -- which ensures the protection of Sikkim's distinct ethnic identity, cultural heritage, and traditions.

Throughout the past five decades, Sikkim has emerged as a benchmark for sustainable development and eco-conscious governance, receiving both national and international accolades for its green initiatives and environmental stewardship.

The Sikkim government has orchestrated a year-long series of events under the banner 'Sunaulo, Samriddha and Samarth Sikkim', celebrating the essence of the northeastern state's cultural richness, traditions, natural beauty, and history.

During this visit, PM Modi will also lay the foundation stone and inaugurate several development projects, including a new 500-bedded District hospital valued at over Rs 750 crore in Namchi district; a Passenger Ropeway at Sangachoeling, Pelling in Gyalshing District; and a Statue of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Atal Amrit Udyan in Sangkhola within Gangtok District.

The Prime Minister will also unveil the Commemorative coin, souvenir coin, and stamp celebrating 50 years of statehood.

Initially, PM Modi was scheduled to participate in the Statehood Day celebrations on May 16, but the visit was postponed due to Operation Sindoor -- India's military response to terrorism sponsored by Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.

On May 16, the Prime Minister conveyed his greetings to the people of Sikkim via a message on X, stating, 'Warm greetings to the people of Sikkim on their Statehood Day! This year, the occasion is even more special as we mark the 50th anniversary of Sikkim's statehood! Sikkim is synonymous with serene beauty, rich cultural traditions, and industrious people. It has made significant advancements in various sectors. May the people of this beautiful state continue to thrive.'

In light of the high-profile event, the Sikkim government has sent formal invitations to all officers from the rank of Deputy Secretary and Under Secretary (and their equivalents), along with personnel from various state departments, public sector undertakings, and central government agencies in Gangtok.

Invitees have been encouraged to attend the ceremony in traditional attire and will be seated in the Western Gallery of the stadium.

The celebration is slated to kick off at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Thursday.

Furthermore, department heads and secretaries have been directed to ensure complete attendance from their respective teams to ensure the event's grand success.

To ensure the smooth execution of the ceremony, the Sikkim government had previously issued an advisory, announcing the temporary closure of offices and schools in Gangtok, along with restrictions on vehicular movement across key routes in the capital city.