GANGTOK: In a significant move to strengthen Sikkim’s creative economy, the Department of Commerce and Industries, Government of Sikkim, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the prestigious National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad.
This collaboration is part of the World Bank-supported Sikkim INSPIRES Programme, which aims to enhance connectivity, improve market access, provide essential spaces, and foster skills development and innovation in the region. The programme 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 conference hall of Commerce and Industries Department in Tadong today, was attended by Mr Tshering Thendup Bhutia, Minister of Commerce & Industries and Tourism & Civil Aviation Departments, Mr Karma R Bonpo, Secretary, Commerce and Industries Department, Ms Choden Gyatso, Additional Secretary cum Director, Commerce and Industries Department, Mr M Ravi Kumar, Director, MSME Division, Mr Topden O Zangpo, Joint Secretary, MSME Division and Mr Gopal K Chettri, Joint Secretary, Administration Section & Industries Division. Joining virtually from NID, Ahmedabad were Mr Praveen Nahar, Director, NID, and his colleagues.
Speaking at the event, Minister Mr Tshering Thendup Bhutia highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Sikkim, known for its traditional arts such as ‘Thangka’ painting, carpet weaving, wood carving, and handloom weaving. These sectors, though integral to Sikkim’s cultural identity, remain largely unorganised, limiting their economic potential.
“With its unique cultural and natural resources, Sikkim is well-positioned to harness the power of design to unlock new economic opportunities,” he said.
The Minister emphasised the need for strong social and digital infrastructure. He added that under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr 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 the full potential of Sikkim’s creative sector. By integrating design with our traditional crafts, culture, and heritage, we are taking a step towards building a sustainable and thriving economy,” he added.
Mr Karma R Bonpo, Secretary, Commerce and Industries Department, remarked that the signing of the MoU marks a significant milestone for Sikkim. He recalled that this partnership stems from the visit of Union Minister of Commerce and Industries, Mr Piyush Goyal, to Sikkim in 2023, where the need for 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,” Mr 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 organising the Sikkim Creative Summit or Sikkim Design Summit to foster design thinking across various sectors,” Mr Bonpo added.
Mr 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.”
Ms 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.
Adding to the discussion, Mr Sonam Tashi Gyaltsen, co-founder of Echostream and an NID Ahmedabad alumnus, shared his excitement about the partnership. He highlighted the impact that design has had on his career and expressed confidence that this collaboration will provide similar opportunities for Sikkim’s youth. His comments were echoed by other NID staff who expressed their enthusiasm for the collaboration and their commitment to making this initiative a success.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Mr M Ravi Kumar, Director, MSME Division.
It may be mentioned here, the three-year partnership between the Government of Sikkim and NID will focus on a range of initiatives, including design entrepreneurship programmes, interventions in the craft and handloom sectors, the Sikkim Design Week, and academic collaborations such as internships and research projects. A launch event for these activities will be held in Gangtok soon.
- IPR Report
