President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday visited the Ridge Park Orchidarium here on the first day of her three-day visit to Sikkim
Share
GANGTOK — President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday visited the Ridge Park Orchidarium here on the first day of her three-day visit to Sikkim.
During her tour of the orchidarium, she was introduced to the diverse varieties of orchids, including 507 species found across the state, along with cultural symbols such as 'Thunpa Puen Zhi' (the four harmonious friends).
A key highlight of the visit was Cymbidium Namo, a unique orchid species named in honour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The President was accompanied by Governor Om Prakash Mathur, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, Urban Development and Food & Civil Supplies Minister Bhoj Raj Rai, Chief Secretary R. Telang and other officials.
The orchidarium at the Swarna Jyanti Maitreya Manjari Complex reflects Sikkim’s rich floral heritage and its commitment to biodiversity conservation, eco-tourism and sustainable tourism development.
Housing a wide variety of rare and indigenous orchid species, it highlights the ecological richness of the state and its ongoing conservation efforts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan visited the orchidarium earlier.
Tamang, who accompanied Murmu during her visit, said it was a matter of immense pride to accompany the President to the prestigious Namgyal Institute of Tibetology at Deorali near here.
"The visit highlights Sikkim's rich Buddhist heritage, cultural legacy, and spiritual traditions," he said.
The President appreciated the institute's invaluable collection of rare manuscripts and artefacts, reflecting the unique cultural richness of the Himalayan region.
"Such visits inspire us to continue preserving and promoting Sikkim's heritage, values, and traditions for future generations," the CM said.
Murmu also visited the Namgyal Institute of Technology (NIT).
During the visit, the President toured the institute premises and viewed various artworks, rare artefacts, murals, manuscripts and exhibits displayed there.
She was briefed on the rich heritage, traditions and cultural significance that have been preserved and showcased by the institute over the years.
Murmu interacted with officials and representatives of the institute, who apprised her of the efforts being undertaken towards the preservation, documentation and promotion of Himalayan Buddhist culture and traditional knowledge systems.
The visit underscored the importance of preserving and promoting the Himalayan Buddhist cultural and literary heritage for future generations.
Earlier, the flag-off ceremony of the Pink City Runner bus services scheduled to be inaugurated by Murmu had to be cancelled due to heavy rainfall, officials said.
The buses will operate between Ranipool and the Secretariat at a fare of Rs 25, covering a distance of nearly 12 km, and will be used exclusively by women passengers.
Advisor to the transport department and MLA Madan Cintury said the buses have been equipped with CCTV cameras, mobile charging points and air-conditioning to ensure a safe and comfortable travel experience.
The bus service will be fully operated by women staff, including drivers and conductors.
Earlier in the day, the President was accorded a warm reception at Libing Military Helipad upon landing for her second visit to the northeastern state.
Mathur and Tamang were there to receive the President.
On the second day of her visit, the President is scheduled to visit Nathula Pass and attend the seventh convocation of Sikkim University at the Manan Kendra auditorium.