SONU TAMANG, Gangtok 17 Feb:
The inaugural Sikkim BlueDuke Festival, celebrating the state butterfly Bassarona durga (Blue Duke), which was officially declared the State Butterfly in June 2022, was designed with a focus on the youth of Sikkim, aiming to provide students with hands-on experience of latest technologies shaping the world today.
An initiative of Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba, the festival was much more than a technological showcase. The three-day event, held at Saramsa near Ranipool, from 14 to 16 February also included food stalls offering traditional local dishes.
The first day of the festival focussed on robotics, AI-based software, and various tech products. Additionally, the day included an art exhibition, providing interested individuals with the opportunity to showcase their talents on a larger stage.
Among the highlights of the day were 3D printing demos, a visual aid device, and AI-based software for architecture, demonstrating the application of AI in design and everyday use. These products, brought in from other North Eastern states, gave Sikkimese students a rare chance to engage with some of the latest technologies and learn how they were made, as well as their potential uses in the present and future to change the world and take it to the next level.
Other displays present on the day included AI-based robots designed for multiple purposes, such as object delivery and security services.
MLA Aditya Golay, who was the chief guest on the first day, acknowledged and addressed the fest as an innovative event that provides a platform for both students and local citizens. He also praised MP Indra Hang Subba for organizing the festival and assured continued government support for similar initiatives.
The event culminated with a special appearance by renowned actor Rajpal Yadav, who energized the students, and shared his insights into acting and the Bollywood industry, which concluded with him encouraging the students to pursue their passions.
Despite the harsh weather, over 300 students participated on the first day of the festival, gaining invaluable exposure to global technological trends, especially AI.
On the second day, the festival continued with a culinary exhibition featuring chefs and home cooks, all highlighting Sikkim’s traditional cuisine.
The exhibition focused on modernizing traditional dishes by incorporating local ingredients, elevating them to a level capable of competing nationally and internationally.
Members of the Eastern India Culinary Association (EICA) were invited to lend their expertise on the day. The lineup included chefs Debankan, Rangonath, and Raja Sadhukhan, the principal of IHM Kolkata, all of whom were impressed with the dishes presented and encouraged the chefs to continue pushing forward to showcase Sikkim’s flavors on a global scale.
The final day of the festival featured a music concert and fashion show, and the weather cooperated with clear skies to provide the perfect backdrop for a grand conclusion. The day’s entertainment lineup was exceptional, with no dull moments.
Local band Melo Preachers, international folk musicians such as Jhuma Limbo, and emerging artists Wangden Sherpa and Sushant Ra Raga performed alongside established Indian artists, including playback singer Saif Ali Khan and singer Madhur Sharma, spanning over a wide range of genres, from folk and pop to Indian indie music.
The fashion show on the final day was equally captivating, blending traditional Sikkimese attire with modern influences, presenting a fresh and exclusive take on the region’s diverse cultural garments.
