Sonakshi Sarkar

Sikkimese filmmaker Tribeny Rai’s debut feature Shape of Momo was among five Asian films-in-progress showcased at the prestigious “HAF Goes to Cannes” segment of the 2025 Marché du Film, the official film market of the Cannes Film Festival. The Nepali-language film from East Sikkim was pitched to an international audience comprising distributors, sales agents, and festival programmers. Rai, along with producer Kislay and lead actor Gaumaya Gurung, unveiled the film’s official poster at the Bharat Pavilion. Curated by the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF), the initiative provides a global platform for emerging Asian filmmakers. The selected teams each presented…

A high-level delegation from Nepal began a three-day knowledge exchange visit to Sikkim’s Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve (KBR) on Monday to learn from the state’s acclaimed conservation efforts. The visit, spanning from May 20 to 22, was facilitated by UNESCO’s Regional Office in New Delhi and Nepal-based NGO Smrida Pahad in coordination with Sikkim’s Forest Department. The Nepalese team aims to replicate the success of KBR, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016 and a Biosphere Reserve in 2018, for its own Khangchendzonga Conservation Area. The delegates are studying Sikkim’s advanced park management techniques, including camera traps, real-time…

Sikkim marked 50 years of statehood with a vibrant celebration at Paljor Stadium, commemorating five decades of remarkable progress and envisioning a bright future. The event was graced by Governor Om Prakash Mathur, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, and other dignitaries. The day began with a ceremonial parade featuring contingents from the Sikkim Armed Police, Infantry Regiments, and Forest and Home Guards. The Governor and Chief Minister received full honors amid enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. Key highlights included the lighting of butter lamps and offerings to the portrait of revered leader L.D. Kazi, symbolizing respect for Sikkim’s heritage. The…

Sikkim marked a historic milestone on Thursday as it celebrated 50 years of statehood, with Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang paying tribute to the state’s journey from a tranquil Himalayan kingdom to a vibrant and progressive state within the Indian Union. Addressing a large gathering at Manan Kendra in Gangtok, CM Tamang delivered a rousing speech, reaffirming his government’s commitment to progress, inclusivity, and preservation of Sikkim’s distinct identity.“We inherited a legacy, now we build a future,” said Tamang. He lauded the people of Sikkim for their resilience and unity over the past five decades and pledged that the next…