President Droupadi Murmu Begins Three-Day Sikkim Visit, Celebrates State’s Natural Heritage and Police Excellence

KalimNews, May 27, 2026, Gangtok : Gangtok witnessed a grand and ceremonial welcome on Monday as President of India Droupadi Murmu arrived in Sikkim on a three-day official visit. The President was warmly received at Libing Helipad by Governor Om Prakash Mathur and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang in the presence of senior ministers, legislators, civil and police officials, representatives of the Indian Army, and top administrative officers of the state.

Among those present to welcome the President were Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly M.N. Sherpa, Deputy Speaker Raj Kumari Thapa, Members of Parliament and Legislative Assembly, Chief Secretary R. Telang, Director General of Police Akshay Sachdeva, senior protocol officials, and district authorities of Gangtok.

Following her arrival, President Murmu proceeded to Lok Bhawan, where she was again greeted by the Governor, the Chief Minister, and other senior government dignitaries.

During her visit, the President is scheduled to attend the 7th Convocation Ceremony of Sikkim University and will also confer the prestigious President’s Police Colour upon the Sikkim Police at a ceremonial parade to be held at Paljor Stadium on May 28. The honour is regarded as one of the highest recognitions awarded to a police force in India for exceptional service and commitment.

As part of her engagements in Gangtok, President Murmu visited the Ridge Park Orchidarium located at the Swarna Jyanti Maitreya Manjari Complex. The Orchidarium, known for showcasing Sikkim’s extraordinary floral wealth, reflects the Himalayan state’s strong commitment to biodiversity conservation, eco-tourism, and sustainable development.

During the visit, the President explored the Orchidarium’s vast collection of rare and indigenous orchid species, including the 507 varieties found across Sikkim. She was also introduced to important cultural symbols such as “Thunpa Puen Zhi” or the “Four Harmonious Friends,” which represent unity and harmony in Himalayan culture.

One of the major highlights of the tour was the presentation of “Cymbidium Namo,” a rare orchid species named in honour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Officials explained how the Orchidarium has become a symbol of Sikkim’s ecological richness and its continued efforts to preserve the state’s natural heritage for future generations.

The President was accompanied during the Orchidarium visit by Governor Om Prakash Mathur, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, Urban Development and Food & Civil Supplies Minister Bhoj Raj Rai, Chief Secretary R. Telang, Commissioner-cum-Secretary Jitendra Singh Raje, Gangtok Mayor Tshering Palden Bhutia, senior state government officials, and members of the Ridge Park Management team.

Ahead of the President’s high-profile visit, the Gangtok district administration imposed a temporary ban on drone operations across the district from May 26 to May 28 due to security considerations. Authorities warned that violations would invite action under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and DGCA regulations.

The state government has also directed advisors, chairpersons, officers on special duty to the Chief Minister, councillors of the Gangtok Municipal Corporation, and officials stationed in and around Gangtok to attend the Police Colour presentation ceremony. Participants have been requested to arrive at the venue by 8 a.m., carry valid government identity cards, and wear traditional attire. Officials further informed that bags and water bottles would not be permitted inside the stadium premises during the event.

President Murmu’s visit is being viewed as a moment of pride for Sikkim, highlighting the state’s cultural heritage, environmental conservation efforts, academic achievements, and the dedicated service of the Sikkim Police. (With inputs from IPR, Gangtok)