News & Announcement
Sikkim Book Fair 2026 begins at MG Marg
Gangtok, March 13 (IPR): MLA, Soreng–Chakung Constituency, Mr Aditya Golay Tamang graced the first day of the third edition of the Sikkim Book Fair 2026 as the Chief Guest at MG Marg, Gangtok, today.
The Sikkim Book Fair 2026 is an annual event aimed at encouraging and inculcating a strong culture of reading among the youth while bringing together authors, publishers and book lovers from across the region. The event is being organised by 24 Hours Inspired in collaboration with DAC Gangtok and powered by Oxford Bookstore. The fair will be held from March 13 to March 15, 2026.
In his keynote address, the Chief Guest described the programme as a meaningful initiative dedicated to students and young readers, emphasising its role in nurturing reading habits, intellectual curiosity and a deeper engagement with books among the youth of the State. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between the use of technology and leisure time among young people.
In his address, the Chief Guest applauded the efforts of DC Gangtok and expressed hope that the officer would continue with the same vigour in all future endeavours.
The Chief Guest also spoke briefly about the history and conception of the first Sikkim Book Fair, acknowledging the vision of Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang. He further thanked the Chief Minister for bringing to fruition initiatives such as the Sikkim Premier League and Khangchendzonga Fight Night, which provide valuable opportunities for local youth to showcase their talent. In his concluding remarks, the Chief Guest thanked DC Gangtok, the Education Department and the Student’s Welfare Board for making the programme a grand success.
Chairman, Student’s Welfare Board, Mr Sonam Chophel Bhutia shared a brief history of the ‘Read and Grow’ programme and emphasised the importance of encouraging young people to develop the habit of reading from an early age. The Chairman also spoke about the upcoming Sikkim Arts and Literature Festival scheduled in April, stating that it will play a significant role in promoting arts and literature in the State. He further noted that the festival will provide a vibrant platform for meaningful dialogue and inspire the next generation of writers and creators. In his concluding remarks, the Chairman expressed hope that the upcoming Sikkim Arts and Literature Festival 2026 will further enhance the intellectual and cultural vibrancy of the State.
At the outset of the programme, DC Gangtok Mr Tushar G Nikhare, in his welcome address, expressed his delight at being part of the third edition of the Sikkim Book Fair in 2026. The DC stressed the importance of strong coordination between elected representatives and bureaucrats in ensuring the success of any public programme and, in this context, acknowledged the full support of Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang.
The DC also spoke about the stalls set up at MG Marg, which provided opportunities for entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products. In this regard, he informed that the Oxford Bookstore stall at MG Marg was offering a 10 percent discount on the original price of books. The DC also highlighted the success of PAILA in supporting local entrepreneurs in the State.
The DC stated that the objective of the Book Fair is to strengthen reading habits among young minds while encouraging them to explore knowledge both through books and through responsible use of technology. He added that the thoughtful integration of technology with learning is vital for the holistic development of youth in the State. In his concluding remarks, the DC thanked the organisers, volunteers and the general public for their participation and support.
During the programme, a one-on-one session was held with guest author Stuti Changle, who has penned bestselling books such as You Only Live Once. She has also authored titles including Five Cities and One Dream. During the session, the author shared insights into her personal journey, struggles and experiences that shaped her path as a writer. An interactive session also took place between the guest speaker and the spectators present at the event.
An official poster for the Sikkim Arts and Literature Festival 2026 was also released by the Chief Guest and the dignitaries present on the dais. The festival is scheduled to take place at Ridge Park from April 26 to April 28, 2026.
The Chief Guest and the dignitaries present on the dais also visited the stalls at MG Marg where they interacted with the stall owners. The programme concluded with a musical performance by a local band.
The event witnessed the presence of Additional Political Secretary, Gangtok, Mr Tshering Wangchuk Lepcha, Chairperson, Sikkim Commission for Backward Classes, Ms Kabita Sapkota, Chairperson, Culture Department, Ms Bhim Kumari Sharma, Secretary, Education Department, Mr Tashi Chophel Lepcha, SP Gangtok, Mr Mahendra Subba, ADC Gangtok, Mr Sisum Wangchuk Bhutia, OSD to Chief Minister, Mr Rewaj Chettri, SDM Gangtok (HQ), Mr Abhijit Patil, SDM Gangtok, Mr Mahendra Chettri, Vice President, TEAMWORK, Mr Syed Shams Jawaid, officials of various line departments, professors and students.
The Sikkim Book Fair 2026 is an annual event aimed at encouraging and inculcating a strong culture of reading among the youth while bringing together authors, publishers and book lovers from across the region. The event is being organised by 24 Hours Inspired in collaboration with DAC Gangtok and powered by Oxford Bookstore. The fair will be held from March 13 to March 15, 2026.
In his keynote address, the Chief Guest described the programme as a meaningful initiative dedicated to students and young readers, emphasising its role in nurturing reading habits, intellectual curiosity and a deeper engagement with books among the youth of the State. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between the use of technology and leisure time among young people.
In his address, the Chief Guest applauded the efforts of DC Gangtok and expressed hope that the officer would continue with the same vigour in all future endeavours.
The Chief Guest also spoke briefly about the history and conception of the first Sikkim Book Fair, acknowledging the vision of Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang. He further thanked the Chief Minister for bringing to fruition initiatives such as the Sikkim Premier League and Khangchendzonga Fight Night, which provide valuable opportunities for local youth to showcase their talent. In his concluding remarks, the Chief Guest thanked DC Gangtok, the Education Department and the Student’s Welfare Board for making the programme a grand success.
Chairman, Student’s Welfare Board, Mr Sonam Chophel Bhutia shared a brief history of the ‘Read and Grow’ programme and emphasised the importance of encouraging young people to develop the habit of reading from an early age. The Chairman also spoke about the upcoming Sikkim Arts and Literature Festival scheduled in April, stating that it will play a significant role in promoting arts and literature in the State. He further noted that the festival will provide a vibrant platform for meaningful dialogue and inspire the next generation of writers and creators. In his concluding remarks, the Chairman expressed hope that the upcoming Sikkim Arts and Literature Festival 2026 will further enhance the intellectual and cultural vibrancy of the State.
At the outset of the programme, DC Gangtok Mr Tushar G Nikhare, in his welcome address, expressed his delight at being part of the third edition of the Sikkim Book Fair in 2026. The DC stressed the importance of strong coordination between elected representatives and bureaucrats in ensuring the success of any public programme and, in this context, acknowledged the full support of Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang.
The DC also spoke about the stalls set up at MG Marg, which provided opportunities for entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products. In this regard, he informed that the Oxford Bookstore stall at MG Marg was offering a 10 percent discount on the original price of books. The DC also highlighted the success of PAILA in supporting local entrepreneurs in the State.
The DC stated that the objective of the Book Fair is to strengthen reading habits among young minds while encouraging them to explore knowledge both through books and through responsible use of technology. He added that the thoughtful integration of technology with learning is vital for the holistic development of youth in the State. In his concluding remarks, the DC thanked the organisers, volunteers and the general public for their participation and support.
During the programme, a one-on-one session was held with guest author Stuti Changle, who has penned bestselling books such as You Only Live Once. She has also authored titles including Five Cities and One Dream. During the session, the author shared insights into her personal journey, struggles and experiences that shaped her path as a writer. An interactive session also took place between the guest speaker and the spectators present at the event.
An official poster for the Sikkim Arts and Literature Festival 2026 was also released by the Chief Guest and the dignitaries present on the dais. The festival is scheduled to take place at Ridge Park from April 26 to April 28, 2026.
The Chief Guest and the dignitaries present on the dais also visited the stalls at MG Marg where they interacted with the stall owners. The programme concluded with a musical performance by a local band.
The event witnessed the presence of Additional Political Secretary, Gangtok, Mr Tshering Wangchuk Lepcha, Chairperson, Sikkim Commission for Backward Classes, Ms Kabita Sapkota, Chairperson, Culture Department, Ms Bhim Kumari Sharma, Secretary, Education Department, Mr Tashi Chophel Lepcha, SP Gangtok, Mr Mahendra Subba, ADC Gangtok, Mr Sisum Wangchuk Bhutia, OSD to Chief Minister, Mr Rewaj Chettri, SDM Gangtok (HQ), Mr Abhijit Patil, SDM Gangtok, Mr Mahendra Chettri, Vice President, TEAMWORK, Mr Syed Shams Jawaid, officials of various line departments, professors and students.
