On the 9th of May, 2025, a team of seven students, accompanied by two teachers, had the enriching opportunity to attend the second day of the Sikkim Literature Festival, organised by the Department of Culture, Government of Sikkim. The event brought together a vibrant mix of authors, artists, architects, and poets, offering students a glimpse into the diverse literary and cultural landscape of the region.
The day featured four engaging sessions:
Fact and Fiction – Esteemed authors from Sikkim, including Ashim Basnet, Satyadeep S. Chettri, and Pankaj Giri, discussed their writing journeys in a thought-provoking conversation with literary agent Kanishka Gupta.
Lines, Looms and Lenses – Artists Chewang R. Lepcha, Karma Sonam Bhutia, and Karma Palzor explored Sikkim’s rich cultural heritage through film, animation, illustration, and textiles in a session moderated by Mary Therese Kurkalang.
Mapping Gangtok: Movement, Memory & the City – Young architects Madhavi Sharma and Pema C. Bhutia engaged in a dynamic discussion with Imsutoshi Longkumer, accompanied by lived experiences and stories shared by Devesh Pradhan, Hitesh Raj Gurung, Tulshi Chettri, and Manisha Sharma. The session focused on community-driven initiatives addressing urban concerns in Gangtok.
Poets, Poetry, Poetics: Presenting Verses from, by and of Sikkim – Renowned poets Guru Tshering Bhutia, Sudha M. Rai, Suraj Gurung, and Tashi Chopel shared their work and perspectives on poetry in an inspiring exchange with Kanishka Gupta.
The sessions not only provided deep insights into the creative processes and cultural consciousness of Sikkim’s literary and artistic minds but also served as an inspiration for the young attendees. It was an unforgettable experience that encouraged critical thinking, creativity, and appreciation for the arts.