Goa, April 28 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi began the second day of his two-day visit to Sikkim on an engaging note on Tuesday, playing football with local youngsters in Gangtok before his official engagements. Later, addressing a gathering during the golden jubilee celebrations marking 50 years of Sikkim's statehood, he described the state as the "heaven of the East," praising its natural beauty, peace, and cultural harmony.

The Prime Minister also shared pictures of himself interacting with young players, reflecting a relaxed and energetic start to the day ahead of formal events.

His visit came after a busy political schedule in West Bengal, from where he travelled directly to Sikkim following election campaigning. On Monday evening...