Gangtok, October 28 (IPR):The second edition of the three-day Sikkim Arts and Literature Festival 2026, organised by the Students’ Welfare Board under the aegis of the Education Department in collaboration with Teamwork Arts, commenced today at Ridge Park, Gangtok. Scheduled from October 28 to 30, the festival features a diverse programme of workshops, panel discussions, book signings and musical performances, with Ridge Park and White Hall serving as the venues.
Minister, Education, Sports and Youth Affairs, and Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Raju Basnet, in his address, highlighted Sikkim’s rich flora and fauna, biodiversity, cultural heritage and renowned hospitality. He also underscored the importance of stories rooted in the state’s traditions, culture and heritage, emphasising the role of literature in fostering intellectual growth, creativity and the holistic development of individuals.
Delivering the welcome address,MLA-cum-Chairman of the Committee on Estimates, Mr Aditya Golay, traced the evolution of the literary movement in Sikkim, beginning with the Inner Wheel Club of Gangtok’s initiative to establish a public street library at Titanic Park, MG Marg, during the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted the subsequent Read and Grow campaign at Manan Kendra, followed by the inaugural edition of the Sikkim Arts and Literature Festival at Yuksom and its subsequent expansion to the state capital. He also underscored the importance of fostering creativity and nurturing intellectual curiosity through the habit of reading.
The latter half of the evening featured a panel discussion titled 'A Life in History', with renowned Scottish historian Mr William Dalrymple and Secretary, Education Department (School Education), Mr Tashi Chopel. The discussion explored Dalrymple’s personal experiences, his journey as a historian and the inspirations behind his writings.
Born in 1965, William Dalrymple is a distinguished Scottish historian, author and broadcaster, widely recognised for his works on Indian history, culture, the Mughal Empire and British rule in India. His notable publications include City of Djinns, The Last Mughal, White Mughals and The Anarchy. He is also a co-founder of the Jaipur Literature Festival. Dalrymple has received several prestigious accolades, including the Wolfson History Prize, the Duff Cooper Prize and the British Academy President’s Medal in 2018. Through his extensive research and engaging narrative style, he has made significant contributions to bringing India’s rich historical heritage and its connections with the wider world to a global readership.
This was followed by a conversation between members of the Indian rock band Indian Ocean and author Mr Sanjoy K. Roy, during which they discussed the band’s formation, musical journey and the influences that have shaped its distinctive sound.
Formed in New Delhi in 1990, Indian Ocean is one of the most influential and longest-running bands in India’s independent music scene. Over the years, the band has developed a distinctive musical identity by blending Indian folk and classical traditions with rock, jazz, blues and contemporary sounds. It is widely regarded as a pioneer of the Indian fusion-rock movement.
The band’s origins can be traced to the musical partnership between guitarist Susmit Sen and percussionist-vocalist Asheem Chakravarty, who began collaborating before the band formally took shape in 1990. Rahul Ram joined on bass in the early 1990s, followed by drummer Amit Kilam in 1994. This four-member lineup—Susmit Sen, Asheem Chakravarty, Rahul Ram and Amit Kilam—helped define Indian Ocean’s sound during its breakthrough years. The band’s self-titled debut album, Indian Ocean, was released in the early 1990s.
The opening day of the festival concluded with an evening ghazal performance by Aagaaz, a Delhi-based four-member ghazal ensemble curated by artist Suhavi Kalsi, also known as Suhaavi Kalsi. The ensemble seeks to revive traditional baithak-style ghazal performances through an intimate presentation that combines storytelling, context and emotion.
At the onset of the programme, Chairman, Students’ Welfare Board, Mr Sonam Chopel, delivered the inaugural address.
The inaugural programme was attended by MLA-cum-Deputy Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Ms Raj Kumari Thapa; Cabinet Ministers; Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Dr Indra Hang Subba; Members of the Legislative Assembly; Mayor of the Gangtok Municipal Corporation, Ms Tshering Palden; Gyalsey Palden Gyurmed Namgyal and Gyalsem Hope Leezum Namgyal; Advisors, Chairpersons, Political Secretaries, Additional Political Secretaries, Secretaries and Heads of Departments; officials from various departments; students from schools and universities; and other stakeholders.