Gangtok, June 8 (IPR): The Information and Public Relations Department (IPRD), Government of Sikkim, organised the Award Ceremony of the Online Photography Contest at Soochna Bhawan today as part of the celebrations marking 50 years of Sikkim's Statehood.
Chairman, Information and Public Relations Department, Mr Ashit Rai attended the programme as the Chief Guest. Also present were Secretary, IPRD, Ms Annapurna Alley; Special Secretary, IPRD, Ms Anita Subba; Director, IPRD, Mr Sunil Kumar Mothey; and Additional Director, IPRD, Mr Bishal Khawas.
In his address, the Chief Guest reflected on his journey as a photojournalist and described photography as a powerful medium of storytelling that goes beyond merely capturing images. He emphasised that every photograph carries a story and gains significance when it conveys a meaningful message.
Sharing memories from his tenure with The Telegraph between 2004 and 2007, the Chairman recalled covering several landmark events, including the reopening of the Nathu La trade route in 2006. He narrated how one of his photographs from Nathu La became a national headline, illustrating the power of a single image to communicate social, political and human narratives.
Congratulating the winners and participants, he encouraged aspiring photographers to focus on honing their skills and pursuing their passion for the craft rather than concentrating solely on awards. He also appreciated the efforts of the Information and Public Relations Department, particularly Deputy Director (Photo Section), Mr Keshap Chettri and his team, for successfully organising the competition. Expressing hope for the future, he advocated for larger photography and videography contests with greater participation and enhanced incentives.
Earlier, welcoming the gathering, Deputy Director (Photo Section), Mr Keshap Chettri presented a brief report on the conduct and success of the online contest. He highlighted the enthusiastic participation of photographers and photography enthusiasts who showcased Sikkim's rich natural beauty, culture, biodiversity and heritage through compelling visual narratives.
Addressing the gathering, Secretary, IPRD, Ms Annapurna Alley stated that the competition was organised as part of the celebrations commemorating 50 years of Sikkim's Statehood. She expressed gratitude to all participants for contributing to the success of the initiative and described it as a platform that enabled photographers to showcase their talent while presenting unique perspectives on Sikkim's history, development, culture and identity.
The Secretary informed that the competition received 42 entries from across the State, of which 13 were selected for awards following a rigorous evaluation process. The jury comprised senior government officials, including the Secretaries of the Home and Tourism Departments, while a technical committee conducted the preliminary assessment of entries. She observed that the photographs submitted under various themes captured the essence of Sikkim through vivid portrayals of its natural beauty, traditions, achievements and everyday life. She also informed that the winning photographs are currently being displayed on the department's digital LED screens, allowing visitors to appreciate the creativity and vision of the participants.
Congratulating the winners and participants, the Secretary acknowledged the efforts of the department's Photo Section and organising team for successfully conducting the competition and bringing it to a meaningful conclusion.
A special experience-sharing session was conducted by senior freelance photographer and member of the Butterflies and Moths of Sikkim Nature Conservation Society, Mr Nawang Gyatso Bhutia. Sharing his journey, he reflected on how his passion for photography eventually led him into the field of butterfly research, conservation and documentation.
He recalled learning photography through self-study and years of practice at a time when training opportunities and mentors were limited. What began as an interest in photography gradually evolved into a deeper commitment to documenting butterflies and Sikkim's rich biodiversity. He highlighted how photography serves as an effective and ethical tool for scientific documentation, enabling researchers to identify and study species through detailed photographic records.
He further noted that years of fieldwork and documentation culminated in the publication of a comprehensive book on the butterflies of Sikkim featuring more than 1,000 photographs. Through the Butterflies and Moths of Sikkim Nature Conservation Society, he continues to promote conservation awareness, conduct guide training programmes and mentor aspiring photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Certificates and cash prizes were subsequently distributed to the winners in recognition of their outstanding entries. Mr Karan Hangkim Rai secured the first prize, while Ms Pretisa Pradhan and Mr Ugen Gurung stood second and third respectively, receiving cash awards of ₹50,000, ₹30,000 and ₹20,000. Ten consolation prizes of ₹5,000 each were also awarded.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Director, IPRD, Mr Sunil Kumar Mothey.
The event witnessed the participation of photographers, awardees, government officials and invited guests.
It may be kindly noted that consolation prize winners Mr Dev Biswakarma and Mr Gyaltsen Lepcha, who could not be present at the programme, have been requested to collect their cash awards and certificates from the department at the earliest.