Sikkim Design Week 2025 concludes in Gangtok with vision for a creative and entrepreneurial future

The vibrant four-day Sikkim Design Week 2025 (SDW25) came to a successful close at Manan Kendra, Gangtok, today, leaving behind a strong message of innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural pride. Organized by the Commerce and Industries Department, Government of Sikkim, the event began on June 4 and culminated with wide participation from artisans, designers, entrepreneurs, students, and policymakers.

Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest, Minister for Commerce & Industries and Tourism & Civil Aviation, Mr. Tshering Thendup Bhutia, praised the initiative for empowering local talent. He acknowledged the department’s efforts in curating a platform that not only nurtures entrepreneurs but also celebrates Sikkim’s cultural identity. Mr. Bhutia spoke of the historic relevance of Ridge Park — once known as 'Purano Bazaar' — as a symbol of Sikkimese trade and craftsmanship.

The Minister proposed the establishment of tinkering labs and incubation centres in educational institutions across the state to promote grassroots innovation. He reaffirmed the state’s vision of “One Family, One Entrepreneur”, as envisioned by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, and called upon the youth to embrace entrepreneurship as a path to self-reliance and growth.

Ms. Karma D. Youtso, Secretary of Commerce & Industries Department, in her address, thanked the Chief Minister for his guidance in realising the SDW25 vision. She emphasized the transformative role such platforms play in shaping Sikkim’s economic and cultural narrative.

The highlight of SDW25 was the Craft Bazaar at Ridge Park, where young entrepreneurs showcased indigenous products, design innovations, and traditional artistry. The event also featured 30 design workshops across the districts, engaging over 300 participants, thanks to the efforts of faculty from the National Institute of Design (NID), including Project Head Mr. Shemal Pandya. He reflected on NID’s longstanding mission since 1961 to strengthen design learning, especially in industrial and visual communication.

Mr. Anuj Sharma, founder of ALSiSAR Impact, the event’s knowledge partner, spotlighted Sikkim’s emerging role in the global design and impact economy. Pointing to the Himalayan region’s critical role for nearly 2 billion people, he said Sikkim could lead by example and become the North East’s first billion-dollar innovation hub. He lauded local brands like Agapi Sikkim for gaining international visibility and credited the state government’s openness and support.

Adding a youthful energy to the gathering, Ms. Dechen P. Tenzing, India’s youngest and first published manga artist, shared her journey through Studio Kapi, introducing anime and manga culture to students across the districts. “We aim to build a creative future for Sikkim — one sketch, one story, and one dream at a time,” she said.

The event featured a grand fashion show choreographed by Mr. Daman Choudhary, with coordination by Ms. Pema Ongmu Namkha, showcasing Sikkimese style and craftsmanship. The ramp was graced by leading models including Ms. Carol Gracias and Ms. Rewati Chettri. A curtain raiser on ‘Recapturing District Design Connect’ and cultural performances by local communities added further vibrancy to the closing ceremony.

Dignitaries in attendance included Ministers Sonam Lama, Arun Upreti, Bhoj Raj Rai, and MLAs Delay Namgyal Barfungpa, TT Bhutia, Samdup Tshering Bhutia, and Aditya Golay, who also serves as Chief Patron of SDW25.