Page 32 - NIS English 16-31 May, 2026

NATION | 50 Years of Sikkim’s Statehood

Northeast Emerges as a Hub for

Global Tourism and Culture

In present times, the Northeast embodies the spirit of the ‘New India’—one that is ‘Empowered,
Connected, and Future-Ready.’ Inspired by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this
region has transformed from a frontier zone into a leading growth engine, symbolizing both
self-confidence and competitiveness. It has achieved record-breaking growth across key sectors:
infrastructure, investment, governance, and youth engagement. Building upon this momentum,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Sikkim on April 27 and 28. During this visit, he
inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹4,000 crore...

ikkim—the ‘Paradise of the East’ and the ‘Garden Sikkim—and indeed the entire Northeast—is not
Sof Orchids’—with its unparalleled natural beauty, merely a geographical part of the country; it represents
serene atmosphere, and spiritual tranquility, serves as a India’s ‘Ashta Lakshmi’. Consequently, while the Central
major destination for nature-loving tourists from across Government remains steadfast in implementing its ‘Act
the country. At a time when divisive forces—driven by East’ policy, it has also adopted a firm resolve to ‘Act
political self-interest—are attempting to sow discord Fast’ for the development of the Northeast.
through linguistic chauvinism, regionalism, social Carrying this resolve forward, Prime Minister Naren-
hierarchy, and discrimination, Sikkim stands as a living dra Modi participated in the closing ceremony marking
embodiment of the philosophy of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Sikkim
Bharat’. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit state alongwith inauguration, and laying the foundation
to Sikkim marks a significant milestone, coinciding with stones for over 30 projects, including infrastructure,
the state’s Golden Jubilee year—the 50th anniversary connectivity, healthcare, education, urban develop-
of its statehood. This visit also underscores the current ment, environment, tourism. Although Sikkim covers
Central Government’s unwavering commitment to the less than one percent of the country’s total geographical
rapid and sustainable development of both Sikkim and area, it is home to over 25 percent of the nation’s floral
the overall Northeast region. As PM Modi remarked, diversity. The state boasts nearly 500 species of birds,

30 NEW INDIA SAMACHAR || May 16-31, 2026