Gangtok, April 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Swarna Jayanti Maitreya Manjari at Ridge Park in Gangtok on Monday, showcasing Sikkim’s commitment to environmentally sustainable development and biodiversity conservation as the state marked the culmination of its Golden Jubilee Statehood celebrations.
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| 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 Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay during the visit to the landmark project, which was developed to commemorate 50 years of Sikkim’s statehood. The visit highlighted the state's efforts to integrate ecological conservation with cultural and infrastructural development.
Located at Ridge Park near White Hall, the Swarna Jayanti Maitreya Manjari features a striking 26-foot copper monument symbolising Sikkim’s journey of integration, peace, and progress over the past five decades. The complex has emerged as a major attraction that combines artistic expression with environmental awareness and sustainable tourism.
One of the key highlights of the project is its state-of-the-art Orchidarium, a climate-controlled Cool House spread across two levels. The facility conserves more than 100 species of orchids, including rare indigenous and exotic varieties from different parts of the world. Nearly 70 percent of the collection consists of live orchid specimens, while the remaining displays feature scientifically designed botanical models representing global orchid diversity.
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Among the most notable species displayed were the indigenous Dendrobium nobile and Cymbidium NaMo, including a rare orchid variety named in honour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the visit, the Prime Minister toured the Orchidarium and interacted with officials and experts overseeing orchid conservation, scientific cultivation, and ecosystem management.
Officials said the Swarna Jayanti Maitreya Manjari reflects Sikkim’s balanced approach to development by promoting environmental stewardship alongside tourism and cultural preservation. The project is also expected to strengthen the state's reputation as one of India's leading ecotourism destinations.
Following the visit, Prime Minister Modi proceeded to Paljor Stadium to attend the closing ceremony of Sikkim's 50th Statehood celebrations. The programme was attended by Governor Om Prakash Mathur, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, senior government officials, including Commissioner-cum-Secretary Jitendra Raje, UDD PCA-cum-Secretary Yogita Rai, Gangtok Municipal Corporation Commissioner Gayden Chopel Bhutia, and other dignitaries.
