Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the golden jubilee celebrations of Sikkim’s statehood on Thursday, 29 May, at the Paljor Stadium in Gangtok.
Organised under the theme ‘Sikkim@50: Where Progress Meets Purpose and Nature Nurtures Growth’, the event will commemorate 50 years since Sikkim became the 22nd state of the Indian Union in 1975, following a historic referendum.
Sikkim, formerly a monarchy under the Chogyal rulers, merged with India in 1975 after public consensus favoured the integration.
Since then, the state has retained a distinct identity, protected under Article 371F of the Indian Constitution, which safeguards its unique traditions, ethnic diversity, and social customs.
The Prime Minister’s presence at the jubilee reflects the Centre’s recognition of Sikkim’s achievements over the past five decades.
Chief Minister of Sikkim Prem Singh Tamang extended his heartiest welcome and invitation to the PM through a post on X.
Earlier on May 24, CM Tamang posted,” With great honour and pride, we extend our heartiest welcome to the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji, to our beautiful Himalayan State as we celebrate 50 glorious years of Statehood.”
Sikkim has emerged as a national leader in sustainable and eco-conscious governance.
From being the first fully organic state to initiating innovative environmental practices, it has earned acclaim for balancing progress with nature.
The jubilee celebrations are part of a year-long programme titled ‘Sunaulo, Samriddha and Samarth Sikkim’, honouring its cultural richness, biodiversity, and progressive governance.
During the visit, PM Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for several major developmental initiatives.
The Prime Minister will inaugurate a new 500-bed District Hospital in Namchi, built at a cost of over ₹750 crore, to significantly strengthen the region’s healthcare infrastructure.
He will also unveil a passenger ropeway at Sangachoeling in Pelling and a statue of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Atal Amrit Udyan in Sangkhola.
The Prime Minister will also release commemorative memorabilia, including a coin, souvenir coin, and stamp, marking the 50th anniversary of Sikkim’s statehood.
Originally scheduled for 16 May, PM Modi’s visit was postponed due to ‘Operation Sindoor’, India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
Nevertheless, he had extended heartfelt wishes to the people of Sikkim on X, recognising their contribution to India’s growth and the state’s natural beauty.
The Sikkim government has extended formal invitations to senior officials, public servants, and central government representatives based in Gangtok.
Organisers have asked invitees to attend the event in traditional attire and will seat them in the stadium’s Western Gallery.
Heads of departments have directed their teams to ensure full participation.
To facilitate the event, the government has announced the temporary closure of schools, offices, and restrictions on vehicular movement across key areas of Gangtok.
The celebrations will commence at approximately 8:30 AM on Thursday.
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