May 29, 2025, was not just another date on the calendar for Sikkim. It marked 50 years since the erstwhile kingdom became a part of the Indian Union, transitioning from a sovereign monarchy into India’s 22nd state. A golden jubilee of this magnitude — rich with political, cultural, and emotional significance — warranted more than a virtual presence from the country’s top leadership. It called for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be here, on the ground, with the people of Sikkim.
Yes, inclement weather blocked helicopter access beyond Bagdogra. But should that have been a dealbreaker? For a state that was once a country, for a people whose history is unlike any other state in India, perhaps not. Sikkim deserved a physical acknowledgment of its journey, its identity, and its continued commitment to the Indian nation-state.
A Missed Opportunity for National Unity
PM Modi’s absence was not just logistical — it was symbolic. In a country where optics, presence, and political messaging matter immensely, his choice to address the crowd virtually may be seen by many Sikkimese as indifference. The same Prime Minister who trekked to Kedarnath in snow or braved tough terrain in Arunachal has skipped standing on Sikkim’s soil on its most defining day.
Imagine the power of the image: the Prime Minister traversing NH10 by road — experiencing first-hand the poor road conditions that locals live with every day. That would not just be a visit — it would be a statement of solidarity, of listening, of commitment.
Sikkim Is Not Just Another State
Sikkim’s accession to India wasn’t a straightforward one. There are historical complexities, sentiments of forced integration, and decades-long efforts to shape an Indian identity while preserving a unique culture. For many citizens, this anniversary was not just a celebration — it was a time of reflection, pride, and in some cases, pain.
PM Modi’s physical presence could have helped bridge emotional distances and honor Sikkim not as a frontier, but as a full partner in the Indian journey. It would have reaffirmed the bond between the center and one of its smallest, most strategically important states.
Roadblocks or Priorities?
Yes, weather intervened. But a head of state choosing not to travel by road — especially on NH10, the only lifeline into Sikkim — raises uncomfortable questions. Is the road so unreliable that it can’t be used by the nation’s top leader? And if so, what does that say about our priorities?
Then there’s Pakyong Airport — a project once hailed as a historic breakthrough for connectivity. Inaugurated by PM Modi himself in 2018, the airport remains largely non-functional due to unpredictable weather and poor planning. Flights are routinely cancelled. The irony is striking: even Sikkim’s only airport couldn’t help the Prime Minister reach its people on the biggest day of their modern history.
For years, citizens have complained about the crumbling NH10 and the dysfunctional airport. If both are unfit for the Prime Minister’s visit, how are they fit for the daily lives of students, traders, farmers, and patients?
In Conclusion
This was a moment to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Sikkim, not appear on a screen. While the projects launched are commendable — from a ₹750 crore hospital to tourism infrastructure — development means more when it’s delivered with presence, not just policy.
In the end, the absence speaks louder than the address. And that’s something Sikkim won’t forget easily.
