Bharat Rai, 55, a bamboo artisan from Lower Deythang in South Sikkim, will be honoured with the Sikkim Akademi Award 2025

Bharat Rai, 55, a bamboo artisan from Lower Deythang in South Sikkim, will be honoured with the Sikkim Akademi Award 2025 for his lifelong work in preserving and promoting traditional bamboo and cane crafts. Rai makes daily-use items such as dokos, nanglos, and baskets, which also support his livelihood.
His name was recommended by a three-member jury and announced in the presence of Akademi president S.R. Subba and general secretary Purna Yonzone. The Sikkim Akademi Awards, started in 2024, recognise contributions to art and culture. This year, the focus was on artisans preserving traditional bamboo crafts.
After surveying southern and western Sikkim, five artisans were identified, including Rai. The award will be presented on December 8 at Manan Kendra, with Chief Minister P.S. Golay attending as chief guest. Rai will receive a tamra patra, citation, shawl, and Rs 1.05 lakh, while the other four artisans will receive Rs 10,000 each.