07/11/2025
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECY OF CM
Sikkim Showcases Vision for Creative Economy at the 3rd Creative Economy Forum in New Delhi
Under the direction of the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri. Prem Singh Tamang Golay, the State of Sikkim made a remarkable impression at the 3rd Creative Economy Forum (CEF Season 3), inaugurated today at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi.
The Creative Economy Forum, themed “Shaping Creative Bharat through Policy, Innovation and Cultural Enterprise,” brought together prominent policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and global representatives to deliberate on strengthening India’s Orange Economy: the fast-growing sector of creativity-led economic development.
Representing the vision and commitment of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang Golay, the state delegation comprised Shri Sanjay Dilpali Rai, Chairman, Sikkim Art, Culture and Heritage Development Board; Smt. Annapurna Alley, Secretary, Information and Public Relations Department; Shri Yougan Tamang, Press Secretary to the Hon’ble Chief Minister; Shri Bishal Khawas, Additional Director, IPR Department; and other officials.
The Sikkim delegation, attending the forum at the invitation of Supriya Suri, Founder, Creative Economy Forum, engaged in a series of meetings with eminent personalities, including Shri Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA; Shri Sanjeev Sanyal, Member, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister; Mr. Harman Baweja, Producer, Writer, and MD, Baweja Studios; Ms. Avarna Jain, Chairperson, RPSG Group; Mr. Sanjay Nigam, Founder, Fashion Entrepreneur Fund; and celebrated fashion designer Rina Dhaka, among others. The delegation also interacted with representatives from the Embassies of Iraq, Kenya, China, and the United Kingdom, exploring cultural and creative collaborations.
During the event, Mr. Dewakar Basnet, Founder and CEO of 24 Hrs Inspired, Sikkim, presented an insightful session titled “Creative Sikkim: Building Enterprises from the Himalayas”, highlighting the state’s emerging animation and manga sectors. Mr. Rohan Agawane, District Collector, Pakyong, spoke on “Sustainable Creative Tourism through Digital Nomad Villages”, featuring the pioneering Nomad Sikkim initiative at Yakten- India’s first Digital Nomad Village.
Reflecting on the occasion, Press Secretary to HCM Shri Yougan Tamang emphasized Sikkim’s commitment to building a robust creative economy rooted in innovation, sustainability, and cultural identity. He reiterated the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s vision of positioning Sikkim as a creative hub of the Himalayas, fostering entrepreneurship, digital media, design, and cultural industries that empower youth and preserve the state’s artistic heritage.
Smt. Annapurna Alley, Secretary, Information and Public Relations Department, highlighted the various policies and initiatives introduced under the leadership of the Hon’ble Chief Minister to strengthen and promote the creative economy in Sikkim. She emphasized the government’s continuous efforts to support, encourage, and recognize individuals engaged in diverse art forms across the State. Smt. Alley also underscored the Department’s commitment to fostering collaboration with multiple stakeholders to create opportunities and empower the youth of Sikkim who are actively contributing to the State’s growing creative ecosystem.
Chairman Shri. Sanjay Dilpali Rai stressed on how the current government, under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), has been showing genuine commitment towards promoting the creative economy and preserving our rich cultural heritage. Collaborating with partners and stakeholders will further strengthen and advance the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s visionary efforts in this direction, added Shri. Rai.
The Sikkim team also held productive business-to-business (B2B) discussions aimed at advancing partnerships in animation, digital heritage, design entrepreneurship, and creative tourism. These interactions are expected to strengthen institutional linkages and attract investment to the State’s creative sector.
Building on the momentum, the Department of Information and Public Relations has proposed to host a Sikkim Edition of the Creative Economy Forum in collaboration with the Creative Economy Forum team. Options being explored include integrating it with the State’s iconic Maghey Mela or organizing it as a standalone event both intended to position Sikkim as a national hub for culture–commerce convergence and creativity-led growth.
For Sikkim, such forums represent more than participation they signify a strategic step toward a future where creativity, culture, and innovation drive inclusive development. The State aims to create a replicable model of creative economy development for other Himalayan regions, aligning with India’s broader vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047” and the emergence of a Creative Superpower.
