Monday, May 30, 2022 08:00 [IST]
Last Update: Monday, May 30, 2022 02:27 [IST]
GANGTOK,: To understand potential and challenges of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in Sikkim, an entrepreneurs’ conclave hosted by Sikkim Chronicle started today at a local hotel here.
The two-day “The Sikkim Chronicle Entrepreneurs’ Conclave” was inaugurated by Urban Development minister Arun Upreti. Congratulating the organisers and the sponsors for taking interest in promoting entrepreneurship in Sikkim, the minister, who himself was an entrepreneur before entering politics, said, “Entrepreneurship is important and the upcoming generation should understand and change their thought about starting small and gradually growing their business. People in politics and business should be patient. The State government too has been promoting ‘One Family, One Entrepreneur’ scheme and we are always ready to support your businesses but you should have the willpower to follow your dreams.”
He expressed hope that such events are held regularly in Sikkim.
Teesta Urja chairman G.T. Lachungpa, the guest of honour for the inaugural session, briefed on the pathological account of problems faced by beginners. He urged that the organisations have to sort out their problems in consultation with the State government. “Unemployment is a scary subject that may make or break a government. Jobs can be created both in the private as well as the government level. We should maintain the continuity,” he said.
Sikkim Chronicle co-founder Yougan Tamang, in his welcome address, said, “The struggles and challenges of entrepreneurs are immeasurable but though it is risky, entrepreneurship brings positive change in the economy of the State. Sikkim, in recent times has seen a major boost in the entrepreneurship ecosystem and to create a healthy ecosystem for entrepreneurs, we wanted the media to do it. Media has the responsibility of not just providing the news, but also promoting and providing a platform to talk about various issues pertaining to entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in Sikkim. I came as a journalist, but now I consider myself as a media entrepreneur as I wanted to create job opportunities for journalists.”
“As this is our first time, we may not have been able to include everyone but in the near future we are looking forward to include more entrepreneurs. Our team has been preparing to the conclave for the past two months to make it a fruitful one. The report of the two-day conclave will be compiled and submitted to the State government,” he added.
TAAS president Sonam Norgay Lachungpa said the objective of the conclave is to understand the business, aspect and challenges of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship. “A strong foundation has already been laid by the State government through various schemes and we urge our budding entrepreneurs to take action. It is time to be job providers than job seekers,” he expressed.
SEED Cell chief coordinator Raj Lama informed that SEED Cell was formed two years ago and the organisation is happy to work with entrepreneurs from Sikkim. “We do not have a start-up policy in Sikkim and 40 per cent investment in the private sector should happen,” said Rai.
Highlighting on the problems faced by entrepreneurs, Raj expressed that SEED Cell is for everyone and urged budding entrepreneurs to join the organisation. Lama informed that the first Sikkim Global Investor’s Summit will be held during November, where big companies from outside will be invited.
AIC-SMUTBI CEO Dr. Tej Chingtham said India has vaulted substantially, a jump of 41 ranks in seven years in terms of innovation, proving that innovation is taking place in India. In a span of three years, there are 63 incubation centres in India and AIC SMUTBI is the first and the only incubation centre in the entire Northeast India, he added.
The two-day event will have 11 panel discussions with networking opportunities. The sector-wise panel discussion will have speakers from tourism industry, agro-industry, media, IT, education, fashion, films and entertainment, health & wellness and digital content creation. The event will have the participation of entrepreneurs, policy makers, government officials, media professionals and students.
The inaugural session was also attended by Chief Minister’s press secretary Bikash Basnet, political secretary Tshering Wangchuk Lepcha, STDC chairman Lukendra Rasaily and invited guests.
The conclave is organised in collaboration with Travels Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS), Sikkim Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (SEED) Cell, Atal Incubation Centre Sikkim- Manipal University Technology Business Incubation (AIC-SMUTBI), Sushma Productions, Ramada by Wyndham Gangtok Hotel and Casino Golden and Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited.
The event is being supported by SIKKIM EXPRESS, EastMojo, Northeast Live, Karma groups, Lagstal Studio, Suyen groups, Footprints Holidays, The Eight Story, ITS Fibernet, Roosh Productions, Demarg Advertisers, Young Indians Sikkim Chapter and Vignana Jyothi Institute of Management, Hyderabad.
