Sikkim Inks MoU with NID Ahmedabad to Boost Creative Economy

The Sikkim government signed an MoU with the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, aiming to boost the state's creative economy under the World Bank-supported Sikkim ‘INSPIRES’ programme. The collaboration seeks to enhance connectivity, market access, and skills development for women and youth in Sikkim, leveraging the state's rich cultural heritage.

The Sikkim government has entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad to bolster the state's creative economy.

This partnership is a facet of the World Bank-supported Sikkim 'INSPIRES' programme, aimed at enhancing connectivity, market access, and skills development in the region, officials disclosed.

The initiative is designed to generate opportunities for women and youth, while leveraging Sikkim's traditional arts and cultural heritage.

Commerce and Industries Minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia highlighted Sikkim's rich tradition in arts like 'Thangka' painting, carpet weaving, wood carving, and handloom weaving.

Bhutia stated that Sikkim's natural and cultural assets position it uniquely to use design for economic opportunities through this collaboration with NID.

NID Director Nahar Saif emphasized that the design-led initiatives aim to foster a vibrant economy by leveraging local talents and resources.

(With inputs from agencies.)