Sikkim Kalakar Bharosa Sammelan gets underway

ISABELLA GURUNG

GANGTOK, : In a first, the two-day Sikkim Kalakar Bharosa Sammelan commenced at Manan Kendra here from March 3-4.

The programme was organised with the aim to address and deliberate on the problems, welfare, and development of artists and to formulate a policy for the benefit of the artists in the State.

Organised by Namchi-based Step Dance Sensation Academy, in collaboration with the Voice, the sammelan is being held under the patronage of Chief Minister PS Golay and his spouse, Krishna Rai.

Kollywood (Nepali cinema) actors Bipin Karki and Shilpa Maskey, along with artists from different fields, viz., films, fashion, dance, music, etc., from Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri, Dooars, Jai Gaon, etc., will be attending the sammelan.

The ‘Radio Man of Sikkim’, Yapchung Kazi, was the chief guest on the first day, accompanied by musician Shanti Thatal, Padmashree Kazi Singh, Padmashree Jorden Lepcha, and Sikkim Film Promotion Board chairperson Pooja Sharma as guests of honour.

Dancer and organising committee core member Mingma D. Lepcha expressed in his welcome address that the first-of-its-kind State-level sammelan has senior artists along with upcoming artists under one roof, which is a proud moment for Sikkim. He further stated that the symposium is being conducted with the aim of building a channel to frame policies and schemes and have a healthy discussion for the benefit of artists in Sikkim.

A town hall session with actors Bipin Karki and Shilpa Maskey was moderated by journalist Nirmal Mangar.

A panel discussion on ‘Folk Legendary’ was moderated by poet Idol Neelam Gurung.

A panel discussion with panellists viz. supermodel Peden O. Namgyal, choreographer and dancer Nisha Rasaily, filmmaker Tribeny Rai, Positude MD Bijay Subba, and OMAS president and singer Tshering Leezum Bhutia was moderated by Sanjay Dilpali.

Independent filmmaker Samten Bhutia, dancer Sushma Yonzon, singer Remanti Rai, artist Deepa Rai, senior artist Rupa Tamang, and fashion influencer Eksha Hangma Subba also addressed the programme.

The event also included performances by guest artists Rebika Lepcha, Lhamu Lepcha, and Siddharth Shrestha.

The second day will be attended by Chief Minister PS Golay as the chief guest, along with his spouse, Krishna Rai.