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Lords Hotels & Resorts Expands its Footprint in Gangtok with Two New Properties

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Lords Hotels &

Lords Hotels & Resorts, one of India’s leading hotel brands, is proud to announce the opening of two new properties in the beautiful city of Gangtok, strengthening its portfolio with 5 operating hotels in the Northeast region

The new properties, New Orchid Lords Inn and Denzong Shangrila Lords Inn are situated in prime locations in Gangtok

New Orchid Lords Inn and Denzong Shangrila Lords Inn Gangtok, located in the heart of the city, offer guests a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The hotel features 54 spacious and well-appointed rooms, including suites, all equipped with modem amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy a range of facilities and services including a multi-cuisine restaurant, conference, banquet facilities, and a spa centre. Sikkim in North East has a strong business potential rich culture & handicrafts, and beautiful national parks. Sikkim is also home to glaciers, alpine meadows, and thousands of varieties of wildflowers.

“We are thrilled to expand our presence in Gangtok with the opening of these two new properties,” said Pushpendra Bansal, COO of Lords Hotels & Resorts”With their strategic location and world-class amenities, New Orchid Lords Inn and Denzong Shangrila Lords Inn are the perfect choices for travellers looking for comfort, convenience, and True Value hospitality.

Mr. and Mrs. Tshering Wangchuk Zangpo, owner of the properties said that they are excited to tie up with Lords Hotels & Resorts, a leading hospitality brand, and looking for a fruitful & long-term association. “We look forward to welcoming guests and providing them with a memorable stay.”

In total the brand now operates over 40 hotels across India The brand is committed to providing exceptional service and hospitality to its guests and aims to expand its footprint across India and beyond.

Lords Hotels & Resorts is one of India’s leading hospitality chains with over 40 operating hotels, 20 upcoming hotels, and India’s first floating restaurant cruise in DIU across India, Nepal and the USA

C20 Working Group Conclave on Sustainable and Resilient Communities Inaugurated

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C20 Working Group Conclave

Over 200 delegates are participating in discussions and workshops that will directly impact the policy recommendations which will be launched at the C20 Summit in July 2023


Gangtok 29 April 2023:
 The Sustainable and Resilient Communities (SRC) Conclave of Civil 20 (C20), one of the official Engagement Groups of the G20, has been inaugurated at Gangtok, Sikkim. Over 200 Indian and international delegates, including policy makers, academicians, and leaders of civil society organizations, are participating in discussions and workshops at the two-day event. 

The deliberations revolve around the global policies related to Climate Resilience and Social Justice, Net-Zero Emission Management, Environment Sustainability and Compassion Driven Approaches. The participants would identify the gaps in these areas and brainstorm innovative solutions which will directly impact the policy recommendations to be launched at the C20 Summit in July 2023.

Dignitaries present during the inaugural ceremony included Shri Kunga Nima Lepcha, Hon’ble Minister, Land Revenue & Disaster Management, Govt. of Sikkim; Shri MN Sherpa, Hon’ble Minister for Transport and Power Department, Govt. of Sikkim; Shri Anil Raj Rai (IAS), Secretary, Land Revenue & Disaster Management, Govt. of Sikkim; H.E. Ms Joyce Kakuramatsi Kikafunda, High Commissioner of the Republic of Uganda; Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, Troika and Steering Committee Member C20 and Vice Chairman, Mata Amritanandamayi Math. Shri Vijay Nambiar, C20 Sherpa, addressed the gathering virtually.

Said Shri Kunga Nima Lepcha, Hon’ble Minister, Land Revenue & Disaster Management, Govt. of Sikkim: “Sustainable and resilient communities are able to meet their present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, and recover from various environmental, social and economic challenges. Since 2015, the Sikkim Government has taken many measures to promote environmental, social, and economic sustainability, infrastructure and technology, and emergency preparedness. Sikkim has topped in all parameters of Sustainable Development Goals for 2021 in the North-East region. We are the first state in the world to turn fully organic.”

He added: “Being a small Himalayan state subject to various manmade and natural challenges, we are committed to learning from the best practices in the world to secure our future. Many organizations are partnering with Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority regarding this, and I welcome all help, initiatives, and ideas in this direction. All of us in the world need to come together to join hands to secure the future of our next generations. This cannot be done by working in isolation. Despite remarkable diversity, all people need to consider themselves as world citizens so that all mouths can be fed and the nature protected.”

In her video message at the inaugural ceremony, C20 Chair Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma), said: “Humanity is facing many extraordinary challenges today. At this point, human beings need two qualities:  the wisdom to recognize the problem and the intelligence and mental attitude to correct it. Unfortunately, we are like a student who starts studying the day before the exam. We think correctly only when we are on the brink of disaster. The future belongs not to single entities who stand divided, but to those who mingle and cooperate with others. Countries and societies which try to rise on their own will surely fail. This is a warning from nature to mankind. Hence, let our mantra be ‘Mingle, Not Single’. A single nation, race or religion cannot survive in isolation. This earth belongs to us all.”

Amma added: “There is an underlying rhythm to our universe; the universe and every living thing in it have an unbreakable connection to each other. The cosmos is like a vast, interconnected network. Think of a net that is stretched out by four people holding its four corners. If it is shaken slightly in one corner, the vibration is felt all over the net. Similarly, whether we know it or not, all of our actions reverberate throughout creation, whether done by an individual or a group. So let us not think ‘I will change after they do.’ Rather, even if they do not change, if we change, we can bring this change to others. From ancient times, the world is one family has been the mantra of Indian soil. The presidency of G20 nations is a unique opportunity to model this truth before the world. Let us light a new lamp of change here. May innumerable lamps be lit from this flame and carried across the world.”

Said Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, Troika and Steering Committee Member, C20, and Vice Chairman, Mata Amritanandamayi Math: “As Amma says, the lack of love and respect towards nature is the reason why all our efforts to create sustainable and resilient communities failed to produce the expected results. Our forefathers had a deep love and reverence for nature. They saw the visible diversity in the world with a worshipping attitude while having faith in the limitless power behind the many names and forms. However, modern society lacks this attitude. This needs to change. 

“Climate change is happening at an unprecedented rate today and can no longer be dismissed as a myth. The change is so severe that according to some calculations, human species may not exist beyond another 50 years. My request to scientifical and technological community is to ensure a symbiosis of science and spirituality so that both work harmoniously. We shouldn’t be suspicious or reluctant to experience and accept the spiritual recommendations offered to us by the ancient seers, especially when all their concerns of end of humanity are on the verge of coming true. Amma highlights the false sense of security provided to us by modern technology which makes us forget the delicate nature of life on this planet. We need to think beyond our borders, diversity, and differences, and see the world from a perspective of oneness, as emphasized by India’s G20 slogan of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”

Said Dr. Maneesha V. Ramesh, Sustainable and Resilient Working Group Coordinator and Professor, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham:“Guided by the vision of C20 Chair, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, this Conclave provides a platform for the civil society organizations and delegates from around the world to engage in deeper dialogues to address the challenges and gaps in the areas of climate resilience, social justice, environmental sustainability and net zero emission management with an aim to help build communities that are sustainable and resilient. I am delighted that the event is being held in partnership with the Sikkim Government. Sikkim is a state which is truly an example of sustainability and resilience. The policy deliberations among a multitude of stakeholders will bring out the recommendations to be provided to the G20 leadership team. I sincerely hope that this will help pave the way to develop scalable models that can be adopted to multiple countries.”

During the event, a seedball distribution campaign was launched in Sikkim by the C20 Sustainable and Resilient Communities (SRC) Working Group, in association with AYUDH, the Mata Amritanandamayi Math’s global youth wing. The global campaign aims to disperse one million seedballs in fragile ecosystems worldwide and create general awareness in people about the significance of seedballs in restoring ecological balance.

The Sustainable and Resilient Communities Working group, one of the 14 working groups formed under Civil 20 India 2023, is focussed on the areas of Climate, Environment and Net Zero Targets. The Working Group (WG) quintessentially addresses the current critical issues related to climate resilience and social justice, environmental sustainability, net zero emission management, and showcases the importance of compassionate approaches for building sustainable and resilient communities.

The G20 (Group of 20) is a forum comprising 19 countries and the European Union. It works to address major issues related to the global economy. C20 provides a platform for Civil Society Organizations (CSO) around the world to voice people’s aspirations to the world leaders in G20.

Gorkha are 100% Axomiya Bhumi Putra,” says Assam CM Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma

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"CM Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma"

April 21, Garpal, Sonitpur: CM Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma Attended the 57th Sanmilan Divas of Assam Gorkha Sanmelan Divas.

Gorkha in Asaam receives all the facilities from the government and are part of the greater Axomiya community, they have no problem here might be in other parts of the country there might be a problem in Assam Gorkha’s enjoys all rights, States Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma during his Speech.

“Lord Hanuman had torn his chest and shown that Ram is Inside me, Similarly I can not tear my chest and show Gorkha’s are Axomiya”, CM HBS

CM Sarma also states, Our Government has turned Gorkha’s into Swadeshi which earlier Congress didn’t put much stress on these”.

Some of his declarations through the stage of Assam Gorkha Sanmelan:

1) Gorkha OBC certificate: OBC Certificate to be issued by Assam Gorkha Sanmilan, vide notification Govt of Assam order.

2.) Separate Portal for Gorkha Certificate, under Govt of Assam, vide notification Govt of Assam order.

3.) Gorkhas can purchase land and are a protected class in the Tribal belt & block in Assam

4.) If any case of FT against Gorkha’s now will be Withdrawn by Government Lawyers. No further Harassment will be assertive.

5.) Gorkha Development Council already received Rs. 25 Crore funds and will be entertained

6.) Gorkha Certificate will be an attachment of identity for all Gorkhas residing in Assam.

90 year old women sexually assaulted in Sikkim

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" 90 year old women sexually assaulted in Sikkim"

Reports from west Sikkim, A Police Complaint has been filed at Gazing Police Station where a 90 year old women has been sexually assaulted.

According to reports the incident happened on 19th April where an accused from the village Changda Bhutia. Where the accused has fled and police is under search operation of him.

As per reports, The victim is an age old lady who cannot speak & listen properly because of her old age. Police filed IPC Section 376 Rape and 370 House Trespassing case has been filed against accused Chenga Bhutia.

Two police team is searching the absconding accused of the heinous Crime.

OIL hosts BVL Season 3.0 successfully India’s first grassroots volleyball league

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"BVL Season 3.0 "

Duliajan, 07 April 2023: OIL successfully concluded the 5 days BVL Super League 3.0, India’s first grassroots volleyball league, under the aegis of OIL’s flagship CSR intervention ‘OIL Volleyball Mission’ at Duliajan on 6th April 2023. The ceremony was graced by Chief Guest, Dr. Ranjit Rath, Chairman & Managing Director, OIL, Shri Bhaskar Jyoti Phukan, Managing Director, Numaligarh Refinery Limited, Ms. Pooja Suri, Independent Director, OIL, Shri Samik Bhattacharya, Independent Director, OIL, Shri Prasanta Borkakoty, RCE, OIL, other dignitaries and players from across the state of Assam. 

In his address, Dr. Ranjit Rath, CMD, OIL, praised the individual efforts of each participant in BVL season 3.0 and encouraged them to pursue the sport and lead the state and nation in the field of sports. Volleyball has been instrumental in uniting players of all ages from across Assam, and this has strengthened the bonds between communities in the region, he added. 

After 5 days of intense competition and exciting battles, the finals came to an end on 6th April 2023 with 4 teams emerging as the winners under various categories. In the final match, U-16 category girls, Team Muguria from Bajali district bagged the winning trophy while the team Beseria from Sonitpur district declared winners in the under U-16 Boys.  In the U-12 category, Mikirbheta girls’ team from Morigaon district won while the BamgaonBoys Team from Biswanath Charaili district bagged the winner trophy. Later during the closing ceremony, Dr.Ranjit Rath, CMD, OIL ceremoniously handed over the prizes to the winning teams.

A brief about BVL-Season 3.0 supported under OIL’s CSR:

OIL under CSR for promoting sports in rural areas, has been implementing ‘OIL Volleyball Mission’, a unique model at the grassroots in association with Brahmaputra Volleyball League (BVL) pioneered by Shri Abhijit Bhattacharya, former captain of the Indian Volleyball team.  OIL’s support in the last two years has channelized many hidden & budding talents of Volleyball belonging to OIL’s operational areas as well as several other parts of Assam through advanced coaching and creation of teams. OIL is the first corporate to associate itself with such a noble cause which has been recognized for creating a sports ecosystem in the villages of Assam. This year the BVL Season-3 has played more than 600 matches in 144 villages of Assam. The final leg of the League known as ‘Super League’ comprising of a total of 32 teams (8 in each category – Under 16 Boys and Girls and under 12 Boys and Girls) was organized at OIL’s Nehru Maidan Volleyball Court, Duliajan and several other courts of OIL’s operational areas from 2nd April to 6th April 2023.  In the last few days, close to 550 young players accompanied by coaches, referees and other associated sporting personnels were hosted by OIL at Duliajan.

Oil India Limited signs MoU with Mrinaljyoti Rehabilitation Centre

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"Representatives from Oil India Limited and Mrinaljyoti Rehabilitation Centre "

Duliajan, 01 April 2023: OIL has signed an MoU with Mrinaljyoti Rehabilitation Centre (MRC), Duliajan. The MoU was signed by Shri Prasanta Borkakoty, RCE, OIL and Secretary & Founder, MRC, for providing assistance to MRC under OIL’s flagship CSR intervention, ‘OIL Sakshyam’, for empowering persons with disabilities.


The terms of the MoU shall provide financial assistance for a period of 04 years towards an annual grant for running of MRC through the extension of services (via the centres located in Duliajan, Digboi and Rajgarh) and up-gradation of ‘Pushpadalum’, a Vocational Learning Centre for skill and capacity building of Children with Disabilities (CwDs) and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). In the long run, the MoU will provide equitable, inclusive and accessible opportunities for CwDs and PwDs while upholding their human rights reflective of India’s action towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.


Shri Rajeev Baruah, ED (HR & Admin), OIL, Shri Bhairab Bhuyan, ED (Instrumentation), OIL, Shri Arunjyoti Baruah, CGM (HR-Field Admin), OIL, Shri Debashis Bora, GM (PA), OIL, senior officials of OIL, management of MRC, children & persons with disabilities, parents and media were present on the event.

Tezpur University announces TUEE for the academic session 2023-24

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Tezpur University, Tezpur, Assam offers a wide range of PhD, PG, UG, and Diploma programmes across various disciplines under the School of Engineering, Sciences, Management and Humanities, and Social Sciences.

Tezpur University will hold the TUEE(Tezpur University Entrance Examinations) for admission in PhD, Post Graduate(PG) across various disciplines and for B. Tech(lateral entry) programmes for the academic year 2023-2024. The admission portal went live on 24th March 2023.

Prof. Rupak Mukhopadhyay, Deputy Director, TUEE(Extreme Right), Prof. Sankar Deka, Controller of Examination, Tezpur University(Center), Prof. Dambarudhar Mahanta, Director, TUEE (Extreme Left), during the press meet at Guwahati Press Club

The University is participating in CUET(UG) 2023 for admission into its various other UG courses, the application for which is currently life through the CUET portal.

For TUEE, OMR-cum-descriptive examinations will be conducted for the applicants across the 23 major cities across India, including the Northeast region.

For B.Tech, the candidates will be selected based on the Common Rank List(CRL) of JEE(Mains) – 2023. It should be noted that 60% of the total seats are reserved for permanent NE(Northeast) residents.

During the press meeting, the official portal for TUEE application was launched and was briefed by the officials present there.

Retrieved from (https://www.tezu.ernet.in/admissions2022.html)

Tezpur University is the only University across Northeast India to be accredited with NAAC- A+.

BJP’s wave of change is unstoppable, the people of Northeast India embrace BJP with an open heart.

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The political landscape of Northeast has witnessed a significant transformation in recent years. In the land of the Seven Sisters & a Brother, the winds of change are blowing and a new era of strong political stability is taking place, under the aegis of hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership and spirit, the Northeast region is heading towards its shining goal.

The Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) victory in the Northeast is significant as it marks the party’s continued expansion in the region. The victory also signals a shift in the political landscape of the region, where regional parties and the Congress have dominated the political scene for decades. The BJP’s success in the Northeast is gaining a significant impact on national politics, as the region has a significant influence on the politics of the rest of the country.

In the recent Assembly Elections held in three Northeast states of India, the BJP under the vibrant & graceful leadership of Shri Modi has achieved an impressive sweeping victory. The BJP has won the majority of the seats in all three states – Tripura, Nagaland and of course Meghalaya. In Tripura and Nagaland, the BJP has retained power for the second consecutive term with a landslide victory, in Meghalaya they are forming a coalition government with the National People’s Party (NPP) of Shri Conrad Sangma.

This is a remarkable feat for the BJP, people acknowledge BJP as the only trustworthy party, be it Tripura or Nagaland or Meghalaya, BJP has earned a glorious victory, the people of the region have responded positively to Shri Modi’s vision for holistic development of the region. Now, the BJP and its coalition governments are prevailing in almost all eight northeastern states.

The Northeast region of India consists of eight states, including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim. Historically, this region has been a stronghold of the Indian National Congress party, which had dominated the region for many decades. However, in recent years, with charismatic leader Shri Modi leading the way with stride, the BJP has made significant inroads into the region. The oppositions seem to have no chance against BJP’s class of campaign with promises of progress and growth, the BJP is winning with a tidal troth. 

BJP’s success in Northeast India can be attributed to many aspects, one of the key factors contributing to Shri Modi’s success in Northeast India is his strong leadership persona. Shri Modi is widely regarded as one of the most charismatic leaders in India’s history, his dynamism is known for his oratory skills and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He has a compelling personal story, having risen from a humble background to become the Prime Minister of India. Shri Modi’s leadership style is characterized by a strong sense of purpose, a clear vision for the future and a willingness to take bold action to achieve his goals towards the betterment of the country. Hon’ble PM Shri Modi has been able to mobilize a significant portion of the voters behind him through a combination of charismatic leadership, effective communication, energetic campaign style and a focus on development and nationalism and also the party’s ability to effectively communicate its message to voters.

In one of his tweet, the hon’ble PM Shri Modi said “Today’s election result is a message to the nation and to world. It shows that in India, people trust democracy and democratic values. That democracy is thriving in India,”

PM Shri Modi said, “Many political analysts are trying to understand the reason for the victory of the BJP. Some of our well-wishers want to know the reason. The reason is ‘Triveni’. The first power is the work of the BJP govts, the second one is the work style of the BJP and the last one is the karyakartas of the BJP.”

BJP’s success in Northeast India can be attributed to its government’s policies and programs. The BJP-led government has launched several flagship programs, such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, and the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, which have been aimed at improving the quality of life of ordinary citizens. These programs have had a significant impact in Northeast India, where people have traditionally lacked access to basic services and amenities. These government schemes are instantly & punctually reaching the marginalized and poor through government machinery and also through the coordination of BJP Karyakartas having spectacular grip at the grassroots thus leading to the NE’s growth trajectory. Further, the BJP government at the center has launched several initiatives such as the Act East Policy, Northeast Industrial Development Scheme, and Northeast Special Infrastructure Development Scheme to boost the region’s economy.

Another factor that contributed to BJP’s success in the Northeast was the party’s skillful use of social media and technology. The BJP’s IT cell ran a highly effective social media campaign, using platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and WhatsApp to disseminate information about the party’s policies and programs. The party’s use of technology allowed them to reach a younger, tech-savvy audience, which was critical in a region where a significant portion of the population is under the age of 35.

Similarly, BJP’s popularity in Northeast India is its focus on development and modernization. The region has historically been neglected by the previous central governments, and the people of Northeast India have long felt marginalized and ignored. But BJP made it a top priority to invest in infrastructure and robust economic development in the region. In order to identify and resolve issues and ensure that  government’s policies and programs are implemented effectively, the BJP government at the center has directed the Union Ministers to visit the NE Region frequently. In addition, Hon’ble PM Shri Modi’s new Union Cabinet has Five Northeast politicians as Ministers, this is the highest ever representation of the NE Region in the Cabinet in the country’s history.

BJP government has launched several initiatives aimed at promoting tourism, improving incredible connectivity (trans-highways + railroads + airways) and creating jobs in Northeast India. Similarly, the party’s campaign was centered on local issues and formulating a concerted effort to address the region’s long-standing demands and grievances. These efforts have not gone unnoticed, and the people of the region have responded positively to the BJP’s vision for development.

On the other hand, the Congress, the once formidable forces of Indian politics, are now struggling to keep up with its pace and base. Now they seem to have lost its way, their vision and charisma. With its unappealing and outdated policies, the party struggles to unite and defend and its leadership crisis never seems to end.

Despite being one of the oldest political parties of India, in recent times, the party has been struggling to maintain its relevance and hold on to the Indian political scenario. One of the main reasons for this is its narrow and self-centered attitude. The party’s leadership has been accused of pandering to a select few communities, rather than working towards the greater good of the country as a whole. This narrow-minded approach has alienated large sections of the Indian populace, especially the younger generation, who are looking for a more inclusive and progressive political alternative.

Furthermore, the Congress has been plagued by a lack of internal democracy, with the party leadership often dominated by a select few individuals. This has resulted in a situation where the party’s leaders are more interested in promoting their own personal interests rather than working for the betterment of the party and the country. This has led to a situation where the party’s leadership is perceived as being out of touch with the needs and aspirations of the common people. This has alienated a large section of the Indian populace, who are looking for political leaders who are more in tune with people’s needs and concerns. Moreover, most opposition parties, including Congress, have struggled to offer a coherent and compelling alternative to the BJP’s vision for India. The opposition has been plagued by infighting, lack of leadership, and a failure to communicate their message effectively to the masses. As a result, they have failed to attract a significant portion of the electorate and have lost ground to the BJP.

The BJP’s victory in Northeast India is a testament to Shri Modi’s charisma and his ability to connect with people across the country’s development and his commitment to improving their lives. It is also a reflection of the BJP’s strong organizational capabilities and its ability to build a formidable political force. As Shri Modi-led BJP look to the future, it is clear that BJP has established itself as a dominant political force in the region and they will continue to play a leading role in Indian politics. The future of northeast politics is becoming exciting and fascinating, with BJP’s impressive victory in Northeast India polls rings a clarion call. So let us celebrate this win and look forward to brighter days, for India, its people, and its pride.

– Originally written by Manoj Joshi from Gangtok, Sikkim he can be contacted at 8918422242

AIC-SMUTBI hosted the First North East Entrepreneurs’ Dialogue (NEED 1.0)

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"Entrepreneurs’ Dialogue (NEED 1.0)"

AIC – SMU Technology Business Incubator hosted the First “North East Entrepreneurs Dialogue (NEED 1.0) : Accelerating the Startup Growth Engine” in collaboration with Startup India, DPIIT and Commerce & Industries Department, Government of Sikkim at the SMIT Campus, Majitar on 18th February, 2023.

The event was graced by the presence of Hon’ble Union Minister, Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Textiles, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Aditya Tamang, MLA, Soreng-ChakhungGoS; Shri Karma R. Bangpo (IAS), Secretary, Dept. of Commerce and Industries GoS, and Lt. Gen. (Dr) Rajan S Grewal, Vice Chancellor SMU.

North East Entrepreneurs Dialogue (N.E.E.D) was envisioned to create a dialogue between the Government and Entrepreneurs of all the States of North East India to discuss the issues, challenges and the ways to mitigate them. This will also serve as common platform for all the startup founders of the region to come together and share their journey and experiences in building their venture. The government in turn can make this as a way forward to percolate the policy details and supports that are in the pipeline to the grassroot entrepreneurs in the farthest corners of the country in the eastern region.

The event was attended by startups from all the states ofNorth East India, Odissa, Tamil Nadu and Delhi and many dignitaries and officials and representatives from Startup India, DPIIT and the Government of Sikkim, Government of Manipur.

Some of the key activities of the programs were Founders Husstle where co-founders had dialogues amongst peers and help each other to build synergies and also work together towards their growth trajectories, One-on-One Mentor Sessions, Expert Talks sessions etc.

The key highlight of the program was the personal interaction session with Hon’ble Union Minister, Shri Piyush Goyal, with the startup founders on the challenges especially in areas of applications of A.I. in the industry, EV vehicle parking in public spaces such as railway station and airports, the forthcoming opportunities in the North East in the field of bamboo etc. The session was also moderated by one of the Startup Founder Yougan Tamang of Yonika Infotainment Pvt Ltd.

The Hon’ble Minister in his address also highlighted the importance of preserving the pristine status of Sikkim and North East India and focusing on the USP of Sikkim as a high value tourism destination. Decreasing transportation and logistics cost to benefit local producers to advance beyond the boundaries of the state. Shri Piyush Goyal particularly mentioned that India should strive to make world class products where good quality isn’t restricted only to exports. According to him every single consumer in the country should get access to quality goods. To the masses of Sikkim, he requested not to let the status of Sikkim as 100% organic state go down, and he hopes that 8 crores worth of yearly revenues from the organic products would go up to 800 crores over the years. 

The startups incubated at AIC-SMUTBI also got the opportunity to showcase their products which was immensely appreciated by the Ho’ble Minister. Some of the startups that demonstrated their products are Cas Collective, TurukGarden, Akumen AI, Encamp Adventures, Nibiaa Devices, Turbit Virtual Reality among others. 

Dr Tej Chingtham, CEO-AIC-SMUTBI in his address, expressed the need for a platform like NEED as the need of the hour in North East India and also make this an Annual or a Semi-Annual dialogue as this platform can act as a two-way conduit for the entrepreneurs and the Government an open a direct communication channel.

Bangladeshi tourist dies in Lachung

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"Scene in Lachung, Sikkim"

A 19-year-old Bangladeshi tourist died on Saturday night in the high altitude area of Lachung in north Sikkim.

A distress call was received on the emergency helpline number 112 at about 1 a.m. informing that a male tourist, Md Rashedur Rahman, resident of Gaibandha, Bangladesh, staying in a local hotel in Lachung was seriously ill and needed medical assistance. Receiving the information, Head Constable Mani Kr Rasaily and his team reached the hotel and found the tourist lying unconscious on his bed. The tourist was immediately evacuated to the Chungthang Primary Health Centre where the medical officer on duty declared him dead.


The physical examination of the body revealed no visible mark of external injury. The body was sent to STNM Hospital, Gangtok, for post mortem.