President India Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said that the development of the North East is intrinsically linked with the progress of the nation, asserting that both are interconnected and mutually dependent.
Addressing the seventh convocation ceremony of Sikkim University in Gangtok, the President highlighted the importance of collaboration, sustainability and inclusive growth in achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047.
Encouraging students to adopt a collective approach towards success, President Murmu said: “Not isolation, but collaboration and team spirit are essential for achieving goals.” She emphasised that efficiency, equity and sustainability must remain the three guiding principles for holistic development.
The President advised students to maintain both short-term and long-term goals, observing that short-term achievements eventually pave the way towards fulfilling larger aspirations.
Praising the people and the government of Sikkim, she noted that the Himalayan state had set a national example after being declared India’s first fully organic state in 2016. She said the country has much to learn from Sikkim’s model of environmentally conscious development.
Expressing happiness over the achievements of students in the state, President Murmu said Sikkim has emerged as a remarkable example of women’s empowerment. Referring to the convocation ceremony, she pointed out that nearly 70 per cent of the successful students were girls, which she said, reflected the state’s bright future and progressive social outlook.
The President also lauded Sikkim’s efforts towards preserving language, culture and nature alongside scientific research on climate change and glacier studies. She particularly appreciated initiatives undertaken for the study and preservation of endangered languages, including Limbu, Lepcha and Bhutia languages in the Sikkim and North Bengal region.
Describing the establishment of the Centre for Indian Languages as a significant initiative, she thanked the people and administration of Sikkim for promoting linguistic and cultural heritage.
President Murmu further said that Sikkim’s balance between ecological consciousness and development serves as an inspiration for the entire country. Referring to the majestic presence of Kangchenjunga, she described the mountain as a divine gift of nature and noted that the people of Sikkim revere it as a goddess.
“I thank God for gifting such extraordinary natural beauty to Sikkim,” she said, while commending the ecological awareness of the people and the harmonious integration of development with environmental preservation in the state.
Earlier in the day, President Murmu, who is on a three-day official visit to the state, flagged off the Pink City Runner bus service at Ridge Park in Gangtok prior to attending the convocation ceremony.
The concept of the service was initially announced by Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang in October 2025. Introduced by the Government of Sikkim as a dedicated transport service for women, the Pink City Runner, also known as the Aama-Didi-Bahini Bus Sewa, aims to make daily travel within Gangtok safer, more reliable and affordable for women commuters.
The service operates on the Ranipool-Tashiling Secretariat route and is managed entirely by women drivers and conductors while catering exclusively to women passengers. Designed with a focus on commuter safety and convenience, particularly during early morning and evening hours, the initiative also offers subsidised travel, with commuters required to pay only half the regular fare while the remaining amount is borne by the state government.
Apart from ensuring safer public transportation for women, the initiative is also expected to create employment opportunities for women in the public transport sector, traditionally dominated by men. The launch of the Pink City Runner aligns with the state government’s continued emphasis on women empowerment, inclusive development and welfare-oriented governance.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by Om Prakash Mathur, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and senior government officials.