Gangtok, April 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the celebration of Sikkim’s 50th statehood anniversary, emphasizing the significance of the North East region. He described Sikkim and the entire North East as not just part of India, but as “Ashtalakshmi of India,” symbolizing the nation’s prosperity and strength.
During his address, Modi stated, “The North East is the Ashtalakshmi of Hindustan. Therefore, we are working on the ‘Act East’ policy and have also committed to ‘Act Fast’.” He highlighted the government’s focus on enhancing Sikkim’s connectivity and infrastructure, noting that hundreds of kilometers of highways have been constructed in recent years, with efforts to connect every village.
The Prime Minister identified Sikkim’s tourism economy as its greatest asset. He pointed out that while Sikkim occupies less than 1% of India’s total area, it boasts over 25% of the country’s floral diversity. Specifically mentioning orchids, he remarked, “If you haven’t seen Sikkim’s orchids, you haven’t experienced true beauty.”
Modi also discussed the potential for sky sports in Sikkim, praising local youth for showcasing their talent in various sports on national and international platforms. He mentioned that players from Sikkim have made the state and the country proud in football, boxing, and archery. To nurture these talents, initiatives like ‘Khelo India’ and ‘Fit India’ are being promoted, alongside the revival of the state sports academy and events like the Sikkim Premier League.
Sharing his personal experience, Modi expressed joy at arriving in Gangtok a day earlier. After the busy Bengal elections, he found a refreshing atmosphere filled with celebration. He praised Sikkim’s weather and natural beauty, calling it “Heaven of the East” and “Garden of Orchids.”
He emphasized the unique experience of Sikkim’s peace, spirituality, and natural beauty, urging citizens to visit, as the locals are true brand ambassadors of nature. Modi commended the simplicity, gentleness, and smiles of Sikkim’s people. He had met several talented individuals from Sikkim, including Padma awardees, artists, and football players, discussing various topics with them.
Reflecting on his roadshow, Modi described it as an unforgettable experience, with people waving flags and chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram,” creating an atmosphere filled with the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.”
He also praised Sikkim’s cleanliness, stating, “I was impressed by the cleanliness of the roads. There was no litter, and the air was unpolluted. The people of Sikkim are true guardians of nature.”
Modi noted that Sikkim exemplifies “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” at a time when divisive politics often arise based on language, region, and caste. He described the event as a beautiful display of India’s diversity and unity.
My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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