**Executive Summary**
On May 16, 2026, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan addressed the 51st Statehood Day celebrations of Sikkim in Gangtok. The event highlighted the state’s achievements in organic farming and sustainable development while marking the launch of several infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and governance projects. Key priorities emphasized include the "Act East, Act Fast" approach and the integration of Sikkim into the "Viksit Bharat @2047" vision.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Sustainable Development and Organic Leadership**
* Sikkim is recognized as the world’s first 100% organic state (achieved in 2016), having transformed 76,000 hectares of land into a chemical-free ecosystem.
* The Vice President launched “Mission Sikkim Organics” to further strengthen the state’s leadership in sustainable agriculture.
* Initiatives such as “Mero Rukh Mero Santati” (planting 108 trees for every newborn) and “Sishu Samriddhi Yojana” (financial security for children) link environmental sustainability with social security.
**Infrastructure and Connectivity Improvements**
* Several projects were inaugurated, including the upgradation of the Rimbi–Yuksam road, protective works on NH-10, and a new steel bridge over Rangpo Khola.
* Air and rail connectivity are being prioritized, featuring the remodeling of the Burtuk Heliport and the upcoming introduction of direct rail connectivity to the state.
* The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region is actively expanding infrastructure to boost trade, tourism, and economic growth.
**Entrepreneurship and Governance**
* The “Sikkim Rise” program was launched to provide mentorship, incubation, funding, and infrastructure support to scalable businesses.
* The "Sikkim Excise Management System" was introduced to enhance administrative efficiency and transparency.
* New educational facilities were inaugurated, including a science block at Kamrang Government Degree College and an Industrial Training Institute (ITI) at Aritar.
**Strategic and Regional Importance**
* Sikkim is described as a "sentinel of the nation," vital to India’s integrity and the "Ashtalakshmi" vision of the North-East.
* Under the Vibrant Village Programme, 58 villages in Sikkim are being developed to transform border areas into "first villages" of the country.
**Impact Analysis**
**Sikkim Citizens and Residents**
**Impact**
Residents will benefit from improved road safety, better healthcare and education infrastructure, and enhanced financial security for children through state-sponsored schemes.
**Action Required**
Citizens are encouraged to participate in environmental initiatives like "Mero Rukh Mero Santati" and utilize the new vocational training facilities at the ITI in Pakyong.
**Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners**
**Impact**
The "Sikkim Rise" program provides a formal platform for innovation, offering necessary funding and mentorship to scale local businesses. Improved rail connectivity will also lower logistics costs for exporting organic products.
**Action Required**
Innovative individuals and startups should engage with the "Sikkim Rise" program for business support and infrastructure assistance.
**State Government and Administrative Officials**
**Impact**
The introduction of the Sikkim Excise Management System and the focus on the Vibrant Village Programme mandate a shift toward digital governance and targeted rural development.
**Action Required**
Relevant departments must implement the new excise management software and oversee the phased development of the 58 villages identified under the Vibrant Village Programme.
**Farmers and Agricultural Producers**
**Impact**
The launch of "Mission Sikkim Organics" and the promise of direct rail connectivity provide farmers with better resources and broader market access across India.
**Action Required**
Farmers should align with the new mission guidelines to maintain the state's organic status while preparing for increased trade volume facilitated by new transport links.
Key Entities Referenced
Sikkim: The central location and subject of the 51st Statehood Day celebrations, recognized as a strategic border state and the world's first 100 per cent organic state.
Act East, Act Fast: The central government's strategic policy approach aimed at accelerating infrastructure and economic development in the Northeast Indian states.
Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region: The primary ministry responsible for executing infrastructure, connectivity, and development projects across the North-East region.
Vibrant Village Programme: A central initiative targeting the development of 58 border villages in Sikkim to enhance national security and rural prosperity.
Mission Sikkim Organics: A newly launched program aimed at strengthening the state’s leadership in sustainable agriculture and organic development.
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President addresses 51st Statehood Day
celebrations of Sikkim in Gangtok
Sikkim is not just organic in agriculture but organic by
character: Vice President
Vice President says Sikkim is a shining example of harmony
between nature, culture and governance
PM’s “Act East, Act Fast” approach accelerating
development in Ashtalakshmi States: Vice President
Vice President appreciates Sikkim’s rich cultural heritage
during Statehood Day celebrations
The Vice President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, today
addressed the 51st Statehood Day celebrations of Sikkim at
Gangtok.
Posted On: 16 MAY 2026 7:08PM by PIB Delhi
Greeting the people of Sikkim on the occasion of the Statehood Day celebrations, the vice president said
that the journey of the Himalayan State over the last 50 years has been extraordinary. He noted that as a
student he had closely followed the developments relating to Sikkim’s merger with India and expressed
happiness at being present today at the 51st Statehood Day celebrations.
Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan graced the 51st Statehood Day
celebrations of Sikkim at Gangtok today.
Describing Sikkim as “green, organic, neat and clean”, the Vice President
remarked that Sikkim is not only organic in agriculture but also “organic by
character”. The… pic.twitter.com/fQR9uObfFP
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) May 16, 2026
Describing Sikkim as “green, organic, neat and clean”, the Vice President remarked that Sikkim is not
only organic in agriculture but also “organic by character”. Referring to his road journey in the State, he
said he witnessed the disciplined and compassionate nature of the people of Sikkim. He added that goodthoughts and harmonious living strengthen both individuals and society.
The Vice President stated that Sikkim stands as a shining example of what harmony between nature,
culture and governance can achieve. Congratulating the people of the State on the occasion, he said the
51st year of Statehood would usher in a new phase of growth, transformation and inclusive development.
Paying tribute to the first Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Kazi Lhendup Dorjee, the Vice President said
that he would always be remembered as a visionary leader who guided Sikkim through a historic
democratic transition with wisdom, courage and commitment.
Referring to the recent visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Sikkim during the closing ceremony
of the State’s 50th year of Statehood celebrations, the Vice President noted that several development
projects worth over Rs. 4,000 crore had been launched and dedicated to the people. He highlighted the
Prime Minister’s vision of “Act East, Act Fast” and described Sikkim as an integral part of the
“Ashtalakshmi” of the North-East.
The Vice President said that the vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047” is rooted in inclusive development
where no region is left behind. Commending the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region for
strengthening infrastructure and connectivity in the North-East, he highlighted the expansion of railway
and heliport facilities across the region. Referring to his recent visit to Mizoram, he said improved rail
connectivity has boosted trade, tourism and economic growth in the North-East. Expressing confidence
that Sikkim too would soon get direct rail connectivity, he noted that it would help the State’s organic
products reach markets across India and strengthen its contribution to Viksit Bharat @2047.
Appreciating the Government of Sikkim under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang,
the Vice President said that the State has emerged as a global model of sustainable development. He
recalled that Sikkim became the world’s first 100 per cent organic State in 2016 and termed the
transformation of over 76,000 hectares of agricultural land into a chemical-free ecosystem as not merely
an agricultural reform but a “cultural revolution”.
The Vice President praised initiatives such as “Mero Rukh Mero Santati”, under which 108 trees are
planted for every child born, and the “Sishu Samriddhi Yojana”, which provides financial security to
children. He said such initiatives reflect the State’s commitment to linking spirituality with sustainability
and environmental leadership with social security.
Highlighting the strategic importance of Sikkim, the Vice President described the State as a sentinel of the
nation. He said the unity among communities, spirit of cooperation and deep sense of patriotism among
the people make Sikkim a strong pillar of India’s integrity. He also appreciated Governor Shri Om Prakash
Mathur for visiting border and vibrant villages and expediting development works.
The Vice President noted that under the Vibrant Village Programme, 58 villages in Sikkim would be
covered in phases. He stated that border villages are no longer the “last villages” but the “first villages of
Bharat”.
During the programme, the Vice President virtually laid the foundation stone and inaugurated several
development projects related to connectivity, infrastructure, education and governance. These included the
upgradation of the Rimbi–Yuksam road, protective works and bridge construction along NH-10, a steel
bridge over Rangpo Khola, remodelling and upgradation of the Burtuk Heliport, a new science block at
Kamrang Government Degree College in Namchi, and an Industrial Training Institute at Aritar in
Pakyong. The Vice President also launched the Sikkim Excise Management System aimed at improving
governance and efficiency.On the occasion, the Vice President also launched “Sikkim Rise”, a government-backed entrepreneurship
programme designed to transform innovative ideas into scalable businesses through mentorship,
incubation, funding and infrastructure support. He also launched “Mission Sikkim Organics”, aimed at
further strengthening the State’s leadership in organic and sustainable development.
The Vice President also witnessed a cultural programme showcasing the traditional attire and rich heritage
of various communities, including the Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali communities. Appreciating the cultural
diversity of Sikkim, he said that the coming together of diverse traditions under the spirit of nationhood
truly reflects the vision of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”.
Among those present on the occasion were the Governor of Sikkim, Shri Om Prakash Mathur; the Chief
Minister of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang; Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region,
Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia; Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Shri Mingma Norbu Sherpa;
Minister for Public Health Engineering, Government of Sikkim, Shri Sonam Lama; senior officials and
other dignitaries.
*****
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