Guwahati, May 29 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday declared his vision for a "golden" Sikkim, poised to emerge as a premier global hub for tourism and a powerhouse in sports.

The Prime Minister's remarks came as the Himalayan State celebrated 50 years since its historic accession to the Indian Union in 1975.

Addressing the Sikkim Golden Jubilee celebrations virtually from Bagdogra, West Bengal, due to inclement weather preventing his arrival in Gangtok, PM Modi lauded the people of Sikkim for their pivotal democratic decision to integrate with India.

"Sikkim chose a democratic future and became not just geographically but emotionally a part of India's soul," PM Modi stated, referencing the 1975 referendum where 97% of voters ...