Sikkim Design Week 2025: Gangtok Chapter concludes on a high note, fostering creativity and entrepreneurship

GANGTOK, (IPR): The ‘Sikkim Design Week 2025’ (SDW25), organised by the Commerce and Industries department, Government of Sikkim, which commenced on June 4, successfully concluded at Manan Kendra on Saturday.

The event was graced by minister, Commerce & Industries department and Tourism & Civil Aviation department, Tshering Thendup Bhutia, as the chief guest.

The minister, in his address acknowledged the department for giving a platform to entrepreneurs and artisans. He highlighted the historical significance of the Craft Bazaar at Ridge Park, formerly 'Purano Bazaar'.

He proposed establishing tinkering labs and incubation centers in educational institutions to foster idea-sharing and skill development. He emphasised the Chief Minister's vision of "One Family, One Entrepreneur" and praised the District Connect initiative's success in engaging artisans across villages.

Bhutia stressed the importance of platforms like Sikkim Design Week in creating an ecosystem that adds value to tourism while preserving the unique Sikkimese identity.

Subsequently, he urged the audience to work together to make Sikkim a hub of innovation and creativity.

Secretary, Commerce and Industries department, Karma D Youtso, in her welcome address extended her gratitude to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang for his visionary leadership, which made the event possible.

The four-day event was not just a celebration but was a movement for young entrepreneurs with ideas and inspiration to showcase their craftsmanship and creativity.

Craft Bazar, at Ridge Park was the major highlight, providing a valuable platform for young entrepreneurs to exhibit their artistry and entrepreneurial skills.

Faculty at National Institute of Design (NID), and one of the Project Heads of Sikkim Design Week 2025, Shemal Pandya, signified about the National Institute of Design, which started in 1961, at Ahmedabad, aiming to promote design education and research, particularly in industrial design and visual communication, with a focus on learning.

It is internationally acclaimed as one of the finest educational and research institutions for Industrial, Communication, Textile and IT Integrated (Experiential) Design.

He further informed that around 30 workshops were conducted across all the districts engaging nearly 300 participants and expressed gratitude for the invaluable support received from the State.

Next, Founder of ALSiSAR Impact (Knowledge Partner), Anuj Sharma, highlighted the Himalayan region's potential, noting that 2 billion people depend on it. He emphasised Sikkim's role as a beacon of inspiration, suggesting it can serve as a model for others to follow.

Sharma also highlighted Agapi Sikkim, a home-grown brand connected to ALSiSAR Impact, which is gaining international recognition. He praised the cooperation and enthusiasm of Sikkimese government officials noting its positive impact for the public. Concluding, he expressed optimism about Sikkim potentially generating its first billion-dollar opportunity from the North East.

Dechen P Tenzing, India's youngest and first published manga artist, represented Studio Kapi, sharing her experiences introducing the Japanese art form of anime and manga to young talents. She highlighted the enthusiasm and raw talent of students from each district, noting it was motivating for her and her team. Recounting her own art journey, starting with her first published manga in 2009, she expressed joy in sharing her expertise with her home state’s youth.

She concluded, "We aim to build a creative future for Sikkim, one sketch, one story, and one dream at a time."

The programme featured a Curtain Raiser, for ‘Recapturing District Design Connect’ highlighting the successful celebration of ‘Sikkim Design Week 2025,’ across all the districts of the state.

The programme was further enriched by a captivating fashion show which had the presence of supermodel Carol Gracias and Rewati Chettri. The fashion show was choreographed by show director, Daman Choudhary and show coordinator Pema Ongmu Namkha.

Additionally, vibrant cultural performances by different communities of Sikkim, showcasing the diverse heritage of the State were also held.

Also present in the event were, minister, Ecclesiastical , Public Health Engineering, and Water Resources departments, Sonam Lama; Minister, Cooperation and Rural Development departments, Arun Upreti; minister, Food and Civil Supplies and Urban Development departments, Bhoj Raj Rai; MLA cum Advisor, Urban Development and Food and Civil Supplies departments, Delay Namgyal Barfungpa; MLA cum Advisor, Health and Family Welfare and Culture departments, TT Bhutia; MLA cum chairman, State Trading Corporation of Sikkim, Samdup Tshering Bhutia; MLA cum Chief Patron of Sikkim Design Week 2025, Aditya Golay, HODs from line departments, senior officials and staff of Commerce and Industries department, entrepreneurs and students from various schools and universities.