PM Modi praises Sikkim’s extraordinary biodiversity during visit to Gangtok Orchidarium
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited the Orchidarium in Gangtok, Sikkim today and expressed his profound admiration for its beauty and the state’s exceptional biodiversity.
The Prime Minister described his visit to the Orchidarium as a mesming experience. Shri Modi observed that such dedicated conservation efforts perfectly reflect our deep-rooted harmony with the natural world. He further noted that these initiatives serve as a crucial inspiration for citizens to embrace conservation and sustainable living.
The Prime Minister wrote on X:
“Visited the Orchidarium in Gangtok and was mesmerized by its beauty. Sikkim’s rich biodiversity is truly extraordinary. Such efforts reflect our deep harmony with nature. They also inspire us toward conservation and sustainable living.”
PM shares glances of the 50th Statehood celebrations of Sikkim
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today shared glimpses of the 50th Statehood celebrations of Sikkim, expressing deep appreciation for the state’s cultural heritage, sustainable practices, and contribution to national development.
“I assure you, the people of Sikkim, that I will leave no stone unturned in repaying the affection and blessings of the people here.”
“Sikkim has immense potential in eco-wellness tourism. We are promoting it beside tourism growth across the country.
My special appeal in this regard…”
“The youth of Sikkim are passionate about sports and have also demonstrated their talent on the field.
“The Central Government is working on several projects to provide them better facilities and opportunities to shine.”
“Today the world is speaking of sustainable lifestyles. I am happy that our Northeast and Sikkim in particular, is emerging as a major center for this…”
“Witnessing Sikkim’s cultural heritage in Gangtok was unforgettable for me.
It felt as though the whole of India had come together in one programme. The mesmerizing performances offered a remarkable glimpse of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.’
My heartfelt compliments to everyone associated with this programme.”
“The enthusiasm and affection in Gangtok filled me with renewed energy. I once again congratulate my sisters and brothers of Sikkim for the celebrations marking the 50th year of their statehood. India is very proud of the contribution of Sikkim toward national development. People of Sikkim have distinguished themselves in several sectors and are admired for their outstanding nature.”
“Here are some more glimpses from the 50th Statehood celebrations of Sikkim.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (April 28, 2026) launched development projects worth over ₹4,000 crore in Sikkim while attending the closing ceremony of the state’s 50 years of statehood celebrations.
PM Modi, while addressing the closing ceremony of celebrations to mark the golden jubilee of Sikkim’s statehood, said his government’s focus is on boosting its connectivity, which would increase tourist inflow
As Sikkim marked 50 years of statehood, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the closing ceremony and launched projects worth over Rs 4,000 crore. The landmark turns the spotlight on the covert intelligence operation by RAW under RN Kao that helped in the former kingdom’s integration with India in 1975.
It has been five decades since Sikkim joined the Indian Union, and the country is marking the closing ceremony of its golden jubilee festivities on Tuesday. Sikkim officially became India’s 22nd state on May 16, 1975. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in the Himalayan state to attend the event and has unveiled developmental projects. But how Sikkim joined India and the 27-month-long covered operation that helped in its integration is a fascinating chapter in itself.
Even as celebrations continue and commemorations mark the landmark, there are many interesting facts about Sikkim that make it unique. The state undergoes a carefully orchestrated political transition that changed its status from an Indian protectorate to full-fledged statehood.
After India’s Independence, Sikkim became a protectorate in 1950 under a treaty that gave New Delhi control over defense, foreign affairs and communications while allowing it self-rule.
The state lies in a strategic location, and before it became an Indian state, it was positioned as a buffer against China along the vulnerable Sino-Indian border.
The erstwhile kingdom saw growing dissatisfaction among its ethnic Nepali majority, who resented the monarchy’s feudal system and perceived favoritism toward the minority Bhutia-Lepcha communities. Modern India, which has never resorted to military conquests, relied on sophisticated intelligence-led diplomacy to integrate Sikkim peacefully.
Today, as PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth over Rs 4,000 crore, the initiatives show India’s focus on infrastructure, connectivity and economical growth in Sikkim.
HOW A RAW OPERATION MADE SIKKIM A PART OF INDIA
The story of Sikkim’s integration was long shrouded in secrecy. The details came out for the first time when GBS Sidhu, a former special secretary in the Research and Analysis Wing(R&AW), wrote a book about it.
Sidhu was India’s station head in Sikkim’s capital Gangtok during the early 1970s.
In his book, Sikkim Dawn of Democracy: The Truth Behind the Merger with India, GBS Sidhu, narrated how India’s external intelligence agency ran a top-secret campaign for over two years to bring the Himalayan Kingdom into the Union. Interestingly, not even top officials in India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) were aware of the RAW operation.
RAW led a meticulously planned covert operation that last for 27 months to secure Sikkim as India’s 22nd state.
In April 1975, the mission reached its climax after a referendum. The referendum, held on April 14, 1975, asked Sikkimese voters whether they wanted to abolish the monarchy and merge completely with India. Official results showed an overwhelming 97.55% approval with a turnout of around 63%.
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