Three-Day PM Vishwakarma Trade Fair Inaugurated at Central Park, Namchi
Namchi
Namchi: 28th Jan:The Three-Day PM Vishwakarma Trade Fair was inaugurated today at Central Park, Namchi, organized by the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, through the MSME–Development & Facilitation Office (MSME-DFO), Gangtok. The trade fair aims to promote traditional artisans, provide direct market access, enhance digital integration, and strengthen the livelihoods of PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries in the district and across Sikkim.
The inaugural programme commenced with the ceremonial Lighting of the Lamp, followed by the National Anthem, setting a dignified and enthusiastic tone for the event. Prior to the inauguration, all dignitaries were warmly welcomed and felicitated.
The exhibition area was formally opened with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, marking the commencement of the three-day trade fair.
Satish Chandra Rai, MLA, Namchi was the Chief Guest.
• Ms. Anupama Tamling, District Collector, Namchi was the Guest of Honour. Prominent among others included,Goda Ravishankar, General Manager, RBI, Gangtok, Sikkim
Gopal Lama, Coordinator, SLBC & AGM, SBI, Sikkim.
The Opening Remarks were delivered by Nirmal Chowdhury, Head of Office (HoO), MSME-DFO Gangtok, who explained the objectives of organizing the PM Vishwakarma Trade Fair. He emphasized the role of such platforms in empowering traditional artisans by providing marketing opportunities, exposure to institutional support, and avenues for sustainable income generation.
In his address, Satish Chandra Rai, MLA, Namchi, appreciated the initiative of the Ministry of MSME and MSME-DFO Gangtok for organizing the trade fair at Namchi. He highlighted the importance of preserving traditional skills and encouraged artisans to make full use of government schemes like PM Vishwakarma for skill upgradation, financial support, and market linkage.
Ms. Anupama Tamling, District Collector, Namchi, in her address as Guest of Honour, emphasized the need for artisans to adopt digital tools, formal banking systems, and modern marketing practices to expand their reach beyond local markets. She assured continued support from the district administration for artisan-centric initiatives.
Shri Goda Ravishankar, GM, RBI, Gangtok, spoke on the importance of financial inclusion, digital payments, and credit linkage for artisans, while Shri Gopal Lama, Coordinator SLBC & AGM SBI Sikkim, highlighted the role of banks in supporting MSMEs and PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries.
Shri Gopal Lama, AGM SBI, Sikkim and Coordinator SLBC emphasized the importance of connecting artisans with banking institutions and encouraged adoption of formal financial systems to enable credit access, digital payments, and long-term financial inclusion.
Participation & Exhibition
More than 55 PM Vishwakarma artisans from various traditional trades participated in the trade fair, showcasing a diverse range of handcrafted products. The stalls attracted significant footfall from local residents and visitors on the very first day.
Dance, Open Mic & Cultural Engagement
For the entertainment and engagement of participants and visitors, an Open Mic session was organized during the fair. Local School Students performed cultural activities like traditional Bhutia and Nepali Dance which was the highlight of the cultural program.
Artisans enthusiastically showcased talents beyond handicrafts, with performances including singing, poetry, and cultural expressions. Tourists and local visitors also actively participated, adding vibrancy and community interaction to the event.
The programme was smoothly anchored by Dr. Rahul Kamble, Assistant Director, MSME-DFO Gangtok. The stalls witnessed strong footfall from locals and tourists.
PM Vishwakarma artisans expressed satisfaction with the exposure, sales, and digital onboarding support received during the fair. Many stated that the event boosted their confidence and motivated them to expand their businesses.
Local residents and tourists appreciated the lively atmosphere, quality products, and cultural engagement at Central Park Namchi. Visitors highlighted that the fair provided a unique opportunity to support local artisans while experiencing Sikkim’s rich craftsmanship.
The successful completion of the PM Vishwakarma Trade Fair 2026 marks a significant milestone in empowering artisans of Namchi and Sikkim through market access, digital enablement, and community engagement, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable MSME development.
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