Press Release
PRESS RELEASE FROM YANGANG TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Information & Public Relations Department
Sikkim University Hosts Academic Session on Third Day of International Youth Conclave for Tourism Development
Namchi, 14 April : The third and final day of the International Youth Conclave for Tourism Development was marked by a significant academic session hosted at the Yangang Campus of Sikkim University, jointly organised by the Department of Tourism and Department of Music in knowledge partnership with the Yangang Tourism Development Committee (YTDC). The session was held under the theme “Tourism for Community Empowerment: A Sustainable Perspective.”
The event witnessed the esteemed presence of Shri Bikash Basnet, Political Secretary to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim; Prof. Jyoti Prakash Tamang, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Sikkim University; Prof. Durga Chettri, Director, SU Yangang Campus; Prof. Yodita Bhutia, Prof. Zigmee Bhutia, Director of Pakyong Airport, along with respected faculty members, students and delegates from 17 Indian states, 4 Union Territories, and neighbouring countries Nepal and Bhutan.
In his address, Shri Bikash Basnet described Yangang as a hidden gem of South Sikkim, where tradition meets aspiration. He emphasized Yangang’s growing reputation as a hub for community-based and eco-tourism, rooted in its serene landscapes, rich folklore, traditional farming culture, and cultural vibrancy. He remarked that the conclave reflects a major step in aligning tourism with education and education with opportunity, particularly for the youth of rural regions.
Prof. Jyoti Prakash Tamang, Vice Chancellor of Sikkim University, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on ethnic food systems, highlighting the cultural and scientific relevance of traditional cuisines such as ‘Kenema’. He elaborated on how France, a global leader in tourism, capitalized on its culinary heritage and how Sikkim can follow a similar model by promoting its rich food culture. He encouraged integrating food tourism into broader promotional strategies for the state.
Prof. Yodita Bhutia, in her remarks, stressed the importance of preserving cultural heritage, natural resources, and ecological harmony as fundamental pillars of sustainable tourism. She urged the youth and academic community to actively engage in promoting responsible travel practices.
Prof. Durga Chettri spoke on the central theme of Tourism for Community Empowerment, underlining the need for inclusive and community-led tourism development models. He highlighted the role of academic institutions in documenting, researching, and supporting grassroots tourism enterprises.
The session also featured a vibrant folk music performance by students from the Department of Music, Sikkim University, which added a rich cultural dimension to the day’s proceedings.
As a mark of respect and goodwill, Sikkim University felicitated all delegates, speakers, and special guests with khadas and tokens of love, reflecting the values of warmth and hospitality deeply rooted in Sikkimese tradition.
The first half of third-day session successfully reinforced the vision of Yangang as a growing academic and cultural destination, where tourism, education, and community progress come together with purpose and pride. The event was conveyed by Dr. Amit Kumar Singh (Associate Professor Head, Department of Tourism, SU) alongwith event Organising Secretary executed by Dr. Jigmee Wangchuk Bhutia (Associate Professor, Dept of Tourism, SU).
Issued by:
Hem Rizal, Publicity wing,
Yangang Tourism Development Committee (YTDC)
Namchi, 14 April : The third and final day of the International Youth Conclave for Tourism Development was marked by a significant academic session hosted at the Yangang Campus of Sikkim University, jointly organised by the Department of Tourism and Department of Music in knowledge partnership with the Yangang Tourism Development Committee (YTDC). The session was held under the theme “Tourism for Community Empowerment: A Sustainable Perspective.”
The event witnessed the esteemed presence of Shri Bikash Basnet, Political Secretary to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim; Prof. Jyoti Prakash Tamang, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Sikkim University; Prof. Durga Chettri, Director, SU Yangang Campus; Prof. Yodita Bhutia, Prof. Zigmee Bhutia, Director of Pakyong Airport, along with respected faculty members, students and delegates from 17 Indian states, 4 Union Territories, and neighbouring countries Nepal and Bhutan.
In his address, Shri Bikash Basnet described Yangang as a hidden gem of South Sikkim, where tradition meets aspiration. He emphasized Yangang’s growing reputation as a hub for community-based and eco-tourism, rooted in its serene landscapes, rich folklore, traditional farming culture, and cultural vibrancy. He remarked that the conclave reflects a major step in aligning tourism with education and education with opportunity, particularly for the youth of rural regions.
Prof. Jyoti Prakash Tamang, Vice Chancellor of Sikkim University, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on ethnic food systems, highlighting the cultural and scientific relevance of traditional cuisines such as ‘Kenema’. He elaborated on how France, a global leader in tourism, capitalized on its culinary heritage and how Sikkim can follow a similar model by promoting its rich food culture. He encouraged integrating food tourism into broader promotional strategies for the state.
Prof. Yodita Bhutia, in her remarks, stressed the importance of preserving cultural heritage, natural resources, and ecological harmony as fundamental pillars of sustainable tourism. She urged the youth and academic community to actively engage in promoting responsible travel practices.
Prof. Durga Chettri spoke on the central theme of Tourism for Community Empowerment, underlining the need for inclusive and community-led tourism development models. He highlighted the role of academic institutions in documenting, researching, and supporting grassroots tourism enterprises.
The session also featured a vibrant folk music performance by students from the Department of Music, Sikkim University, which added a rich cultural dimension to the day’s proceedings.
As a mark of respect and goodwill, Sikkim University felicitated all delegates, speakers, and special guests with khadas and tokens of love, reflecting the values of warmth and hospitality deeply rooted in Sikkimese tradition.
The first half of third-day session successfully reinforced the vision of Yangang as a growing academic and cultural destination, where tourism, education, and community progress come together with purpose and pride. The event was conveyed by Dr. Amit Kumar Singh (Associate Professor Head, Department of Tourism, SU) alongwith event Organising Secretary executed by Dr. Jigmee Wangchuk Bhutia (Associate Professor, Dept of Tourism, SU).
Issued by:
Hem Rizal, Publicity wing,
Yangang Tourism Development Committee (YTDC)