SPEECH BY HER EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SHRIMATI PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE KHANGCHENDZONGA TOURIST VILLA-CUM-SOCIO-CULTURAL AMUSEMENT PARK

Gangtok, Sikkim, 15th April 2010

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am extremely pleased to be in Sikkim and am deeply touched by the warm welcome accorded to me. The beauty of the State with the majestic Kangchenjunga in the background, as also its friendly and peaceful people has made a profound impression on me. I convey to the people of Sikkim my very warm greetings.

I am delighted to inaugurate the Khangchendzonga Tourist Villa-cum-Socio-Cultural and Amusement Park, which has been created in a manner that will not only make tourists comfortable, but also give them the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the local culture and lifestyle. I would also like to congratulate the Chief Minister and the Government of Sikkim for the vision and foresight to have conceptualized and created this world class tourism infrastructure, in a time-bound manner.

I am happy that the State is developing rapidly as a tourist destination and, over the past few years, there has been a phenomenal increase in the inflow of both domestic and foreign tourists. The reasons for Sikkim being a very popular tourist destination are many. It is a land steeped in legend and tradition. It is often referred to as the land of the hidden paradise, because of its scenic mountains, snow white tops, greenery of the valleys and forests that are blessed with flowing rivers making musical sound, its beautiful lakes and waterfalls. It offers options of mountaineering, trekking and adventure sports. It has potential for village, religious and eco-tourism. The growth of tourism has been possible because of the peace loving people of Sikkim, and I complement them. Tourism can be a leading sector in Sikkim both in terms of generating revenue and in creating work opportunities. It is, however, important to develop a sustainable model for tourism that is conducive for the development of the State and benefits the local people. The youth of the State can be given proper training so that they can find employment in this sector, which in turn will benefit with better management skills.

I am glad that as a part of the Year of Tourism 2010, the Government of Sikkim is organizing the International Rhododendron Festival with a view to create awareness that the original habitat of this flowering plant are the Himalayas. I am told that an ancient folk tale, often narrated here, is about 'Kemo Reep' a species of the Rhododendron. Such is your deep relationship with nature. Sikkim's variegated fauna and flora with its many species of plants, flowers and trees which are a rich repository of medicinal and aromatic herbs have made it one of the biodiversity hotspots of the world. Its natural splendor and ecology are still unspoilt. I do hope that this respect towards the environment is carried forward through generations, so that the incredible beauty and peace of this land is preserved.

Sikkim is a multi-ethnic society and it is admirable the way people live together in harmony. Indeed, pluralism is one of the very basic characteristics of our nation and it is our strength. It is my wish that harmony, peace, growth and prosperity reach every part of the country and every section of society. All states, all regions and all citizens are a part of the effort to build a strong and democratic India. The progress and prosperity of India will only be achieved when each and every of its states progresses.

Sikkim with its many natural resources and good social indicators is a contributor to national growth. Sikkim has also shown that while moving on the path of development, we can retain our distinctive culture and maintain ecological balance. I recall giving the first Nirmal Rajya Award to Sikkim in 2008, when it became the first State in the country to achieve 100 percent sanitation. I am told that the State Government is now moving towards providing housing to all by next year, and to make Sikkim a poverty free State by 2015. These are important objectives. I congratulate and pay compliments to the Chief Minister of Sikkim for setting these goals, and am confident that with political guidance, time bound implementation and proper monitoring, these targets will be achieved.

In our country, education has become a fundamental right for all children between the ages of 6 to 14 years. This will be important for Sikkim, a State which has 60 percent of its population below 24 years. Our endeavor is to make our youth energetic and educated. They must have the knowledge and the ability to work, earn and most importantly, contribute to the development of the nation. The literacy rate here is good, but efforts towards reducing school drop outs and ensuring the girl child goes to school must continue, as also to create higher education facilities. I am very happy that during the course of my stay in Sikkim, I would be participating in the first convocation of Sikkim University. I call upon young people to take full advantage of opportunities that are before them.

With 64 percent of the population of the State dependent on agriculture there is need to focus on rural development, on enhancing agricultural productivity and on increasing the income levels of the rural population. The climate obtaining here is conducive for cultivation of a range of crops, flowers and fruits. Agro based industries close to rural areas will lead to value addition at the local level and provide employment.

I believe that all sections of society must be included in the development process so that they all prosper. I am told that women, who constitute about 47 percent of the population of Sikkim, are hard working and enterprising and enjoy good status. However, they also need to be provided opportunities to progress and to be financially secure. I would also like to emphasize the need for establishing vocational training institutes for women. They must also be encouraged to set up their own small enterprises through Self Help Groups.

In conclusion, I would like to once again convey my good wishes to the gentle and wise people of the State. Dances are an integral part of Sikkimese culture and the performances today vividly depicted their variety and grace. With these words, I once again thank the Governor, the Chief Minister, the Government and the people for the hospitality and warm welcome.

Thank You.

Jai Hind!