‘Adventure Reunion: Reliving the Thrill’, along with the workshop programme was successfully concluded at IHCAE, Chemchey

The concluding day was graced by Urban Development Minister Mr Bhoj Raj Rai as Chief Guest and Tourism & Civil Aviation Minister Mr TT Bhutia as Guest of Honour.

The programme had the presence of Chairperson Tourism Mr Sonam Norgay Lachungpa, Chairman Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation Mr Lukendra Rasaily, OSD Mr Nakul Giri, OSD to MP(Lok Sabha) Mr Norsang Limboo, Additional Director Tourism Mr Tenzing Gelay, Additional Secretary Sub Nodal Officer Sikkim INSPIRES Dr Prerna Chamling, Mission Director Sikkim INSPIRES Ms Rohini Pradhan, Deputy Project Director Sikkim INSPIRES Mr Swabhaw Gurung along with official of TSA TEAM TCAD, representatives of Sikkim University and Sikkim Alpine University and Medhavi University and members of TAAS, SAATO, SUTO, ASTHA, and STGA, President Butterflies and Moths of Sikkim Nature Conservation Society Mr Nawang G Bhutia, Chairman IATO Mr Peter Lobo and other dignitaries alongwith alumni, trainees, trainers of IHCAE Chemchey.

Addressing tthe gathering, the Chief Guest Mr Bhoj Raj Rai congratulated the alumni for their active participation and urged them to make the best use of the training opportunities. He commended IHCAE’s potential to nurture talent and called for developing the institute into a world-class centre. He further encouraged entrepreneurship, determination, and accountability to contribute building a self-reliant and progressive Sikkim.

He further reiterated that the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang, has been making every effort to provide platforms, schemes, and support systems for youth and women empowerment. He urged the public to take full advantage of these opportunities and highlighted the need to work collectively, keeping pace with changing times, to achieve the vision of a modern and prosperous Sikkim.

In his address, TCAD Minister TT Bhutia highlighted a range of state initiatives aimed at strengthening tourism and supporting stakeholders across the sector. He underlined Sikkim’s abundant natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, diverse cuisine, and traditions as unique assets that continue to enhance the state’s global appeal. He further informed that, in coordination with the Central Government, the State Government has opened new tourist attractions in sensitive border areas such as Doklam and Chola Pass, creating fresh opportunities for both domestic and international visitors. He further added that TCAD Centres have been upgraded in all districts to ease access, provide support, and enhance tourism-related activities.

The Minister also gave emphasis to flagship programmes of the State Government, such as One Family One Entrepreneur and subsidized loan schemes, which are designed to uplift local entrepreneurs and provide financial stability. He encouraged that these schemes are aimed to gear towards creating sustainable livelihoods, expanding economic opportunities, and provided suggestions which can position Sikkim as a premier destination for adventure and eco-tourism in the region.

Chairperson Tourism Mr Sonam Norgay Lachungpa congratulated the alumni as they embarked on their new journey, recalling his own experiences as a tour guide and pledging to act as a bridge of support for tourism stakeholders. He further emphasized the core components of tourism, urging them to focus on marketing feasibility and long-term sustainability

Chairman Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation, Mr Lukendra Rasaily also drew upon his 36 years of expertise in the industry to share insightful suggestions with the emerging travel agents and guides, assuring them of his full support in shaping a stronger, more vibrant tourism sector for the state

Principal IHCAE/Joint Director, Mr Kazi Sherpa, presented a detailed report on the institute’s progress, highlighting new initiatives, course status, and job-oriented training programmes. He emphasized the introduction of 16 innovative courses such as Butterfly Guide, Bungee Master, and Cultural & Tour Guide for women. He informed that special focus has been laid on women-based courses to enhance inclusivity in the adventure and eco-tourism sectors. He further shared that IHCAE has reached out to international experts from France and Nepal to provide specialized high-altitude mountaineering training, ensuring global exposure for trainees.

Mission Project Director Ms Rohini Pradhan, outlined Sikkim INSPIRES’ vision to empower youth and women in non-farm sectors, thereby broadening livelihood opportunities. She stated that the programme is aligned with market needs identified through baseline studies and emphasized that capacity building is being undertaken across various tourism sub-sectors under TCAD. She further informed that IHCAE’s certification by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation now makes it eligible to conduct advanced, nationally recognized training programmes.

During the event, alumni and trainees shared their experiences, insights, and success stories, highlighting their personal journeys and inspiring peers to pursue greater achievements in the tourism and adventure sector.

At the outset, the Chief Guest, accompanied by the Guest of Honour, visited the exhibition stalls set up by IHCAE’s technical team, Butterflies and Moths of Sikkim Nature Conservation Society, Sikkim Rafting and Rescue Group, and Melli Quick Response Team. The exhibition showcased the diverse aspects of adventure sports, nature conservation, and quick response mechanisms, reflecting the collaborative spirit of the event. Similarly, alumni also demonstrated their skills in sports climbing and ice climbing, reflecting the diverse training opportunities provided by the institute.

The programme also featured the launch of a souvenir for TCAD, commemorating the 50th Year of Statehood by the Chief Guest, followed by the distribution of certificates to promising trainees and to the second batch of Level I Bird Watching trainees. In addition, binoculars were handed over to the first batch of Bird Watching trainees.

The Chief Guest also handed over Certificates of Appreciation to Additional Secretary Dr Prerna Chamling, representatives of Sikkim University, as well as to Sikkim Alpine University and Medhavi University and members of TAAS, SAATO, SUTO, ASTHA, and STGA, in recognition of their valuable guidance and support.