Honour for Sikkim entrepreneur duo

Smita Rai

RAJEEV RAVIDAS, TT, Apr 19, 2018, Gangtok: Smita Rai and Chimi Ongmu Bhutia are budding women entrepreneurs from Sikkim and very young in their chosen crafts but they are already showing signs of blossoming early with their works being recognised far and wide.

Smita and Chimi were among 19 women entrepreneurs from the eight Northeastern states - including Sikkim - to be selected for the Vasundhara Awards constituted by the Assam-based Sreemanta Sankar Mission (SSM) on Tuesday.

Smita, who is based in Namchi in South Sikkim, is engaged in making perfumed candleswith the help of a group of women. Chimi, on the other hand, works with local artisans to make handicraft items for home décor.

Chimi Ongmu Bhutia 

According to Sreemanta Sankar Mission, the Vasundhara Awards was started with a view to create a regional platform for women entrepreneurs.

"When I came to know about the award this morning, I was elated. It will give us visibility and help our business grow," said Smita, who waded into the untried waters of candle-making by accident.

A product of National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Calcutta, the Gangtok-based Chimi is a product designer.

"My work uses local resources, both in terms of raw material and manpower. I believe in entrepreneurship that is pro-nature and environment-friendly. Through my small effort, I hope to improve the living standards of the artisans engaged in Sikkemese handicrafts," Chimi said.