Monday, Apr 27, 2026 22:30 [IST]
Last Update: Sunday, Apr 26, 2026 16:49 [IST]
GANGTOK,: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted Sikkim’s women-led Lagastal Design Studio and the traditional ‘Chhurpi’ in his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’.
Referring to the transformation of bamboo sector in the North East, whose achievements are often highlighted in Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister said enterprises such as LagastalinGangtok are creating employment and driving innovation through eco-friendly products.
The studio, founded by entrepreneur ChimiOngmu Bhutia, specializes in sustainable, eco-friendly bamboo handicrafts, interior décor, light fixtures, and modern home accessories.
Modi noted that policy reforms, including the removal of bamboo from the category of trees in 2017, have enabled such grassroots enterprises to flourish, particularly across the Northeast.
“Friends, what was once seen as a burden is today giving new momentum to employment, business, and innovation. Our mothers and sisters are its biggest beneficiaries,” the Prime Minister said. He recalled that under a British-era law, bamboo was defined as a tree with very strict rules, making its transport extremely difficult and pushing people away from bamboo-related livelihoods. “In 2017, by amending the law, we removed bamboo from the category of trees. The results are there for everyone to see. Today, the bamboo sector is flourishing across the entire Northeast. People are continuously innovating and adding value to it,” he added.
Expressing her gratitude after the mention, Bhutia said, “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our Prime Minister and Chief Minister of Sikkim for their continued support towards entrepreneurship, women empowerment and sustainable development.”
Crediting the Prime Minister’s vision for enabling grassroots change, she said, “Special thanks to our Prime Minister Modi for creating an India where ordinary people like us can dream big, believe in ourselves and work towards success. Your vision has inspired many individuals from small states like Sikkim to think beyond their limits and create opportunities for others.”
The Prime Minister also noted the major transformation underway in India’s dairy sector, where value addition has given traditional flavours a new global identity. Referring to Sikkim, he said, “‘Chhurpi’ is very popular in Sikkim. The simplicity and gentleness of the mountains can also be felt in its taste. The special feature of this cheese is that it is made from yak milk.”
The twin recognition of Sikkim’s bamboo innovation and its traditional Chhurpi cheese in Mann Ki Baat underscores the State’s growing role in India’s journey of sustainable development and cultural pride, official said.
Bista, Sambit Patra visit Lagastal
BJP Darjeeling MP Raju Bista thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for highlighting entrepreneurs from the Northeast, including Sikkim-based designer ChimiOngmu Bhutia, in his radio programme Mann Ki Baat.
Bista, accompanied by BJP Puri MP Sambit Patra and BJP Sikkim in-charge Dilip Jaiswal, visited the Lagastal Design Studio, near Gangtok today.
Describing the studio, he said its name, derived from Bhutia words meaning hand and skill, reflects the spirit of craftsmanship. He said the studio has emerged as a space where tradition and creativity converge. “Every product is made with care using traditional techniques, natural and eco-friendly bamboo, and zero-waste methods that respect both nature and our mountain cultural heritage.”
He added that Bhutia’s initiative is creating livelihood opportunities for local women artisans by transforming traditional skills into sustainable income sources, while preserving Sikkim’s cultural identity.
Bista said such initiatives reflect the strength and potential of the Northeast and thanked the Prime Minister for highlighted them, adding that the recognition would help traditional crafts continue to thrive in today’s world.
