On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi got off to a lively start on the second day of his two-day visit to Sikkim by playing football with young people in Gangtok prior to official engagements. The Prime Minister later referred to Sikkim as the "heaven of the East," complimenting its natural beauty, serenity, and cultural harmony, while speaking to a crowd during the golden jubilee celebrations commemorating the state's 50 years of independence.
Before official engagements, the Prime Minister even shared photos of himself practicing and interacting with the young players, demonstrating a laid-back and enthusiastic start.
After a busy political itinerary in West Bengal, the Prime Minister flew straight from election campaigning to Sikkim for his two-day visit to the Himalayan state.

On Monday night, a large number of people participated in his huge roadshow in Gangtok, lined the streets with Indian flags, excitedly cheering, and engaging in traditional dance and song.
As part of the golden jubilee festivities commemorating 50 years of Sikkim's statehood, Prime Minister Modi spoke to a sizable crowd at Paljor Stadium on Tuesday morning. He called Sikkim the "heaven of the East," complimenting its unparalleled beauty, tranquillity, and spiritual depth while congratulating the populace.
Speaking on Sikkim's natural beauty, Prime Minister Modi expressed his fascination with the state's orchids and added that visitors who haven't seen them "have not seen anything." He was certain that in the upcoming years, the state will see record numbers of visitors.

Recalling that he had previously been unable to visit Gangtok because of inclement weather, he expressed his happiness at being there at last and reassured the locals that he is dedicated to elevating Sikkim to new heights.
The Prime Minister focused on development and highlighted accelerating connectivity and infrastructure projects to increase tourism. He called the Sevoke-Rangpo railway project, which will link Sikkim to the national railway network, a significant step toward economic development.

He also praised Sikkim as a model for the "vocal for local" project and emphasised the Center's efforts to establish the state as a global center for eco and wellness tourism. PM Modi said the region's dedication to sustainable development is demonstrated by Sikkim's accomplishment of becoming a fully organic state ten years ago.
He said that the present administration has accelerated long-pending projects like the railway link, taking a jab at previous administrations.
As the country approaches its 100th anniversary of independence, PM Modi urged the populace to get ready for the goal of a developed India by 2047, with Sikkim playing a crucial role in that journey.