Press Release
DHH Conducts Awareness programme for DHH Students in Alignment with Sikkim Design Week 2025
Information & Public Relations Department
Gangtok, June 5 (IPR):
Aligning with the motto of Sikkim Design Week 2025, ‘Tradition, Talent, Transformation,’ an awareness programme for the students of the Directorate of Handicraft & Handlooms (DHH) was conducted this afternoon. The programme took place at Traditional Arts Section room of DHH.
The programme, ‘Handicraft & Handloom: An Introduction’ was presented by Director DHH, Mr Tshering Topgay Bhutia.
The main agenda of the programme was to educate students and instructors about the history, craft, and opportunities of the DHH. The significance of holding the event at the DHH was because the institute stands as a testament to the heritage of arts and craft in Sikkim, while being a hub of creativity in ethnic art and culture.
Speaking about the history of the DHH, Mr Bhutia shared that, previously, the institute was known as the Palden Thondup Cottage Industries Institute and was established on 9th March 1957 in honour of the 12th Chogyal (King) of Sikkim. He also revealed that Chief Patron for the institute, at the time, was the Former Queen Hope Cooke.
Mr Bhutia mentioned that the handicraft and handlooms of Sikkim has its root in Vajrayana Buddhism which can be attributed to the vibrant colours of the art. He stated, “Our crafts like thangka, wood carving, tsoktsi (traditional table) and carpets all have designs with religious and spiritual significance.”
Mr Bhutia also shared that with the unwavering support of the State Government to support the arts and with the efforts of the DHH itself, students and artisans have a conducive environment to hone their craft.
He noted that with syllabus-based training focusing on targets, the DHH is doing its part in providing proper training to students. He expressed the importance of e commerce and about seizing and embracing all opportunities.
Lastly, Mr Bhutia enunciated that there is always respect in being an artisan, especially when the market and demand is high but supply is low.
The programme was also attended by Joint Secretary DHH Mr Pema Sonam, Joint Secretary DHH Mr D K Rai, Senior Instructor cum Coordinator Mr Palden Bhutia, instructors of the DHH, and students of the institute.
Aligning with the motto of Sikkim Design Week 2025, ‘Tradition, Talent, Transformation,’ an awareness programme for the students of the Directorate of Handicraft & Handlooms (DHH) was conducted this afternoon. The programme took place at Traditional Arts Section room of DHH.
The programme, ‘Handicraft & Handloom: An Introduction’ was presented by Director DHH, Mr Tshering Topgay Bhutia.
The main agenda of the programme was to educate students and instructors about the history, craft, and opportunities of the DHH. The significance of holding the event at the DHH was because the institute stands as a testament to the heritage of arts and craft in Sikkim, while being a hub of creativity in ethnic art and culture.
Speaking about the history of the DHH, Mr Bhutia shared that, previously, the institute was known as the Palden Thondup Cottage Industries Institute and was established on 9th March 1957 in honour of the 12th Chogyal (King) of Sikkim. He also revealed that Chief Patron for the institute, at the time, was the Former Queen Hope Cooke.
Mr Bhutia mentioned that the handicraft and handlooms of Sikkim has its root in Vajrayana Buddhism which can be attributed to the vibrant colours of the art. He stated, “Our crafts like thangka, wood carving, tsoktsi (traditional table) and carpets all have designs with religious and spiritual significance.”
Mr Bhutia also shared that with the unwavering support of the State Government to support the arts and with the efforts of the DHH itself, students and artisans have a conducive environment to hone their craft.
He noted that with syllabus-based training focusing on targets, the DHH is doing its part in providing proper training to students. He expressed the importance of e commerce and about seizing and embracing all opportunities.
Lastly, Mr Bhutia enunciated that there is always respect in being an artisan, especially when the market and demand is high but supply is low.
The programme was also attended by Joint Secretary DHH Mr Pema Sonam, Joint Secretary DHH Mr D K Rai, Senior Instructor cum Coordinator Mr Palden Bhutia, instructors of the DHH, and students of the institute.