“Sikkim Organic by Character”, says VP Radhakrishnan

• Vice-President praises Sikkim’s harmony of nature and governance
• Several infrastructure and development projects launched virtually
• “Act East, Act Fast” driving Northeast growth, says VP
• Sikkim hailed as global model of sustainable development

GG News Bureau
Gangtok, 16th May: Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Saturday described Sikkim as “organic by character” while addressing the state’s 51st Statehood Day celebrations in Gangtok.

Greeting the people of the Himalayan state, the Vice-President said Sikkim’s journey over the last 50 years had been extraordinary and praised the disciplined and compassionate nature of its people.

“Sikkim is not just organic in agriculture but organic by character,” he said, adding that the state stands as a shining example of harmony between nature, culture and governance.

Radhakrishnan said the 51st year of statehood would usher in a new phase of growth, transformation and inclusive development for the state.

Paying tribute to Kazi Lhendup Dorjee, the Vice-President described him as a visionary leader who guided Sikkim through a historic democratic transition.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Sikkim during the golden jubilee Statehood celebrations, the Vice-President highlighted development projects worth over Rs 4,000 crore launched for the state.

He said the Prime Minister’s “Act East, Act Fast” vision was accelerating development in the Northeastern states, which he described as the “Ashtalakshmi” of India.

The Vice-President also expressed confidence that Sikkim would soon receive direct railway connectivity, which would improve trade, tourism and market access for the state’s organic products.

Praising the government led by Prem Singh Tamang, Radhakrishnan said Sikkim had emerged as a global model for sustainable development after becoming the world’s first fully organic state in 2016.

He also appreciated initiatives such as “Mero Rukh Mero Santati” and “Sishu Samriddhi Yojana”, saying they reflected the state’s commitment to sustainability and social welfare.

During the programme, the Vice-President virtually inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple infrastructure, education and governance projects, including road upgrades, bridge works, heliport modernisation and educational institutions.

He also launched “Sikkim Rise”, an entrepreneurship initiative aimed at supporting startups and innovation, and “Mission Sikkim Organics” to strengthen the state’s leadership in sustainable development.

Among those present at the event were Governor Om Prakash Mathur and Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.