Gangtok, April 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Swarna Jayanti Maitreya Manjari at Ridge Park in Gangtok on Monday, highlighting Sikkim’s environmentally sustainable development and rich ecological heritage as the state celebrates 50 years of statehood.
 |
| Narendra Modi interacts with officials while touring the Orchidarium at Swarna Jayanti Maitreya Manjari in Gangtok during Sikkim’s 50th statehood celebrations. (Image: DIO Gangtok) |
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Governor of Sikkim, Shri Om Prakash Mathur, and the Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang during the visit to the landmark project developed as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations.
The Swarna Jayanti Maitreya Manjari, a 26-foot copper-structured monument located at Ridge Park near White Hall, symbolises five decades of Sikkim’s integration and progress. The complex combines cultural symbolism with ecological awareness.
A key feature of the project is the Orchidarium, a climate-controlled Cool House spread across two levels that houses over 100 species of orchids, including native and exotic varieties. Around 70 percent of the collection consists of live specimens, while the remainder includes botanical models representing global diversity.
Among the highlights are indigenous species such as Dendrobium nobile and Cymbidium NaMo, including a rare orchid variety named in honour of the Prime Minister.
During the visit, Modi toured the Orchidarium and interacted with officials overseeing conservation efforts and scientific management practices that support the facility’s ecosystem.
Officials said the project reflects Sikkim’s development journey over the past five decades, balancing progress with environmental stewardship, and is expected to boost the state’s reputation as a leading ecotourism destination.
ALSOO READ: Sikkim CM Tamang Expresses Gratitude to PM Modi, Citizens for Grand Welcome in Sikkim
Following the visit, the Prime Minister proceeded to Paljor Stadium to attend the closing ceremony of the Golden Jubilee celebrations.
The programme was also attended by senior officials including Commissioner-cum-Secretary Jitendra Raje, UDD PCA-cum-Secretary Yogita Rai, and Gangtok Municipal Corporation Commissioner Gayden Chopel Bhutia.
