Sikkim artistes thank PM Modi after 50th Statehood Day performance in Gangtok
Synopsis
When PM Modi stood up and applauded as performers formed India's map on stage, it became the defining moment of Sikkim's 50th Statehood Day. For artistes who endured sunburn during rehearsals and a previous cancellation due to bad weather, the Prime Minister's personal acknowledgement — naming individuals from the stage — turned a cultural performance into a deeply personal milestone.
Key Takeaways
PM Modi personally acknowledged artistes by name during his address at Sikkim's 50th Statehood Day closing ceremony in Gangtok on 28 April 2025 .
PM Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects worth approximately ₹4,000 crore in Sikkim during the visit.
Art Director Pravesh Tamang of Music In Motion Dance Academy called the Prime Minister "our icon" and said his speech would inspire the youth.
Performer Mohammed Jamshed said the troupe rehearsed for 10 days to represent the Vande Bharat Express in their act.
The cultural performance featured dance forms from across India including Garba, Lepcha, Lavani, Bihu, Bhangra , and Kashmiri traditions.
PM Modi stood up and applauded when performers formed the shape of India's map on stage, a moment performers described as deeply emotional.
Artistes who performed at the closing ceremony of Sikkim's 50th Year of Statehood celebrations in Gangtok on Tuesday, 28 April expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for personally acknowledging them during his address to the state. The performers said the Prime Minister's recognition left them energised and proud.
PM Modi's Visit and Key Announcements
During his visit to Sikkim, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for multiple development projects worth approximately ₹4,000 crore. He described the Northeast region as India's
Point of View
By extension, their community. In a state as small and strategically sensitive as Sikkim, where the Centre's attention has historically been episodic, a ₹4,000 crore project launch paired with visible cultural acknowledgement sends a layered message: the Northeast is electorally and symbolically central to the BJP's third-term narrative. The 'Ashtalakshmi' framing is not new, but repeating it in Gangtok — with artistes, students, and Vande Bharat symbolism as the backdrop — reinforces a brand of inclusive nationalism that the party has found effective in border states.
NationPress
8 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Sikkim artistes thank PM Modi after the 50th Statehood Day event?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally acknowledged the performers by name during his address at Sikkim's 50th Statehood Day closing ceremony in Gangtok on 28 April 2025. The artistes said the recognition left them energised and emotional, with Art Director Pravesh Tamang calling Modi 'our icon'.
What projects did PM Modi launch during his Sikkim visit?
PM Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple development projects worth approximately ₹4,000 crore in Sikkim. He also described the Northeast region as India's 'Ashtalakshmi', underlining Sikkim's importance within that framework.
What was performed at Sikkim's 50th Statehood Day closing ceremony?
The cultural performance featured dance forms from across India, including Garba, Lepcha, South Indian, Lavani, Bihu, Bhangra, and Kashmiri traditions. One troupe represented the Vande Bharat Express train, and performers also formed the shape of India's map on stage, drawing a standing ovation from PM Modi.
Who is Pravesh Tamang and what did he say about PM Modi?
Pravesh Tamang is the Art Director of Music In Motion Dance Academy and was part of the cultural troupe that performed at the ceremony. He praised PM Modi for acknowledging each performer individually, saying: 'The Prime Minister is our icon,' and noted that the speech would serve as inspiration for the youth.
What did performer Mohammed Jamshed say about the event?
Mohammed Jamshed, who was part of the troupe representing the Vande Bharat Express, said the group had rehearsed for 10 days and that their hard work paid off. He also noted that PM Modi urged people to visit Sikkim at least once and praised the state for being peaceful and clean.
