Gangtok/ New Delhi, May 16 (PTI) Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended greetings on Sikkim's statehood day, saying the state has enriched India's progress in many sectors.

On this day in 1975, Sikkim became the 22nd state of India.

"Greetings on Sikkim's Statehood Day. Home to talented and compassionate people, Sikkim has enriched national progress in many sectors," the prime minister tweeted.

He pointed out that Sikkim's progress in areas such as organic farming have been admired all over.

"Praying for Sikkim's progress in the years to come," he said.

In his message, Vice President Naidu said known for its natural beauty and rich spiritual heritage, Sikkim is India's first fully organic state, "demonstrating the importance of living in harmony with nature".

"My best wishes for a happy, healthy & prosperous #Sikkim," he said.

Earlier in the day, a function was held at Chintan Bhawan here.

Governor Ganga Prasad and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang garlanded the statute of Sikkim's first chief minister Kazi Lhemdrup Dorji Khangsarpa and paid tributes for his contributions in Sikkim's merger with India.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)