In a significant move to strengthen Sikkim's creative economy, the Department of Commerce and Industries, Government of Sikkim, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the prestigious National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad on September 9, 2024. This collaboration is part of the World Bank-supported Sikkim INSPIRES Programme, which aims to enhance connectivity and improve market access, while also providing essential spaces and fostering skills development and innovation in the region. The program will particularly focus on creating opportunities for women and youth in Sikkim.

This partnership aims to elevate the state's creative economy through design interventions, fostering innovation, cultural expression, and economic development.

The signing event, held at the Commerce and Industries Department's conference hall in Tadong today, was attended by Shri Tshering Thendup Bhutia, Minister of Commerce & Industries and Tourism & Civil Aviation Departments, Government of Sikkim, Shri Karma R Bonpo, Secretary, Commerce and Industries Department, Smt. Choden Gyatso, Additional Secretary-cum-Director, Commerce and Industries Department, Shri M Ravi Kumar, Director, MSME Division, Shri Topden O Zangpo, Joint Secretary, MSME Division, and Shri Gopal K Chettri, Joint Secretary, Administration Section & Industries Division. Joining virtually from NID, Ahmedabad, were Shri Praveen Nahar, Director, NID, and his colleagues.

Speaking at the event, State Minister Shri Tshering Thendup Bhutia highlighted Sikkim's rich cultural heritage, known for traditional arts like 'Thangka' painting, carpet weaving, wood carving, and handloom weaving. These sectors, though integral to Sikkim's cultural identity, remain largely unorganized, limiting their economic potential. "With its unique cultural and natural resources, Sikkim is well-positioned to harness design's power to unlock new economic opportunities,” he said.

The minister emphasized the need for strong social and digital infrastructure. He added that, under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang, the state government is working towards developing suitable infrastructure and collaborating with industry experts to create a robust digital ecosystem. "This MoU with NID is a testament to our commitment to unlocking Sikkim's creative sector's full potential. By integrating design with traditional crafts, culture, and heritage, we are taking a step towards building a sustainable and thriving economy,” he added.

Shri Karma R Bonpo, secretary of the Commerce and Industries Department, remarked that signing the MoU marks a significant milestone for Sikkim. He recalled that this partnership stems from Union Minister of Commerce and Industries Shri Piyush Goyal's visit to Sikkim in 2023, where establishing an NID institute in the state was discussed. “Following that visit, the Government of Sikkim and NID jointly developed an action plan for promoting design in Sikkim, with the goal of creating a strategic roadmap for the state’s creative economy," Shri Bonpo said.

He also outlined plans for design interventions in Sikkim’s handloom and crafts sectors, adding that the state aims to produce a large pool of creative and design professionals to promote the design industry. "This partnership with NID will not only drive economic and industrial development but also provide opportunities for local talents through education, skill development, and capacity building. We are also working towards organizing the Sikkim Creative Summit or Sikkim Design Summit to foster design thinking across various sectors,” Shri Bonpo added.

Shri Praveen Nahar, Director, NID, while giving a brief presentation on various aspects of the MoU signed between the state government and NID, Ahmedabad, said, "This MoU marks a significant milestone in NID's mission to extend beyond traditional boundaries. By integrating design-led initiatives in Sikkim, we aim to foster a vibrant economy that leverages local talents and resources. Our goal is to bring a contextual approach to design thinking that empowers Sikkim's communities and contributes to sustainable economic growth."

Smt. Choden Gyatso, Additional Secretary-cum-Director, Commerce and Industries Department, earlier in her introductory remarks, described the MoU as a pivotal moment in advancing Sikkim’s creative economy. "As we collaborate with one of the country’s leading design institutes, we are taking an important step towards leveraging the power of design and creativity for economic growth. This partnership will open up new opportunities for artisans, entrepreneurs, and local communities to succeed in a rapidly evolving market," she said.

Shri Sonam Tashi Gyaltsen, co-founder of Echostream and a distinguished alumnus of NID Ahmedabad, contributed to the discussion, underscoring his enthusiasm for the partnership. He cited design as a pivotal factor in his career success and expressed optimism that this collaboration would yield similar benefits for Sikkim's youth.

The sentiments expressed by Shri Gyaltsen were echoed by NID staff members in attendance, who conveyed their commitment to ensuring the partnership's success. Shri M Ravi Kumar, Director of the MSME Division, extended the vote of thanks.

The forthcoming three-year partnership between the Government of Sikkim and NID is poised to introduce a suite of initiatives, encompassing design entrepreneurship programs, targeted interventions in the craft and handloom sectors, the Sikkim Design Week, and academic collaborations, including internships and research projects. A launch event for these activities is slated to take place in Gangtok in the near future.

Sikkim partners with National Institute of Design to boost its creative economy. This collaboration, part of the Sikkim INSPIRES Programme, will drive innovation in traditional sectors and empower local talent. Stay tuned for the Sikkim Creative Summit!
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— PIB in Sikkim (@PIBGangtok) September 10, 2024

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ISA/SKM/TWB

(Release ID: 2053368)