Gangtok, Sep 23 Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Wednesday said the skills, craftsmanship, hard work, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of the Vishwakarma community have played an important role in society and nation-building.
Addressing the Vishwakarma Pratibha Samman 2026 at Manan Kendra here, Tamang said the values represented by Lord Vishwakarma — creation, craftsmanship and the spirit of building — remained relevant even today.
“The Vishwakarma community has always played an important role in society and nation-building through skill, craftsmanship, hard work, creativity and entrepreneurship,” the chief minister said.
He congratulated the awardees honoured for their achievements and contributions in various fields, as well as the winners and participants of events organised as part of the programme.
The celebrations this year included a blood donation drive, Mr and Mrs Vishwakarma contest, ‘Mum and Me’, Youth Parliament, Maruni dance and Bhajan competitions, besides Vishwakarma Puja and the felicitation ceremony.
Tamang said the initiatives went beyond celebration by promoting social service, youth participation, talent development and preservation of Sikkim’s cultural heritage.
He appreciated the Vishwakarma (Kami) Kalyan Samiti for bringing together the diverse programmes and said recognition of talent and skills was particularly important as the government encouraged youth to become skilled, self-reliant and enterprising.
“At a time when we are encouraging our youth to become skilled, self-reliant and enterprising, it is important that we recognise talent, provide opportunities and ensure that our traditional knowledge and cultural practices are carried forward to the next generation,” he said.
The chief minister reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive development, equal opportunities, youth empowerment and recognition of talent and skills.
He said talent, when identified, encouraged and provided with the right platform, could become a strength not only for individuals but also for society and the state.
(PTI News)
