Govt-Army collaboration springs a carnival in Sikkim

CM INAUGURATES SIKKIM SPRING CARNIVAL, FLAGS ECOTOURISM AS THRUST AREA
GANGTOK, 11 May [IPR]: The five-day Sikkim Spring Carnival 2012 being organized by the Tourism Department in collaboration with the Indian Army stationed here to woo tourists back to the state after the September 2011 Earthquke setback was formally inaugurated today by Chief Minister Pawan Chamling at Paljor Stadium.
During the inaugural function, a military tattoo by the 17 Mountain Division of the Indian Army including a fly-past by Helicopters, Bhangra dance, Khukri display, dog show, Kalaripayattu [South Indian martial art], Malkham and band display were performed.
Inaugurating the Carnival, the Chief Minister in his address to the gathering of public representatives, army personnel, students, local gentry, tourists and officers from the state administration detailed the various initiatives taken by the state government to project Sikkim as a favoured destination of tourists.
Outlining that eco-tourism is being developed as one of the means to translate the state’s locational disadvantages into a strength, the CM said, “This will form part of our inclusive approach to bring about comprehensive development of the State by duly harnessing human capital and our natural resources on a complementary mode.  This is where Eco-tourism becomes the core sector of economy in the State”.
The CM highlighted the various tourism projects in the state, particularly pilgrimage sites that are proposed and being developed across the state. In order to harness the state’s eco-tourism potential, agriculture, horticulture and floriculture that is its natural strength, the CM called upon the youth to take on the tourism sector. “I call upon all our youth population to urgently take up this knowledge based industry, this service sector to become the master of your own destiny”, said the CM further assuring that the government would offer all-out support in terms of creation of infrastructures and other facilities.
Speaking on last year’s earthquake and the environmental pressures that development brings about the CM enumerated some of the initiatives of the government in this context. Towards the end of his address, the CM sounded a note of caution to the public not to take things for granted.
“We know, peace requires protection, development and security require sustained promotion, rule of law need regular patronage” the CM stated further adding that the Sikkimese public must realize and break free of illusion and confusion and remain forever vigilant and responsible to guard the society against all elements who seek to spread disharmony in the name of politics, caste and creed.  
The GOC, 17 Mt Division V.N. Prasad in his address expressed his happiness in being associated with the civil administration of the state government in this mega event. Such joint venture will create a bond between the army and the people of the state which will be of great help for the protection of the country.
The Chief Minister also visited various other programme sites organised in view of the Spring Carnival in and around Gangtok.
After the inaugural function at Paljor Stadium, the Chief Minister visited the Directorate of Handlooms and Handicrafts complex where he inaugurated and visited the exhibition on ethnic bamboo products-cum-live demonstration by rural artisans from all around the state. The exhibition at the DHH complex also included unique tools and equipments used by the Lepcha tribe in their daily lives vis-a-vis hunting, fishing, musical instruments as well as daily household kits made up of bamboos and stinging nettle.
The exhibition highlighted and show cased the magnificent and languishing traditional arts and craft of the state. The exhibition was also supported by various departments like Forest, Tourism, Commerce and Industries, Horticulture, SRDA and various NGOs.
Thereafter, the Chief Minister proceeded towards White Memorial Hall where he inaugurated the Buddhist art of Butter Sculpture and Sand Mandala exhibited by Tourism and Civil Aviation Department and Photo exhibition by Information and Public Relations department of the State government.
He also flagged off the seven-day Mountain Biking expedition to Gurudongmar consisting of twelve participants including one from Norway at Ridge Park and inaugurated the newly beautified Ridge Park. The Chief Minister along with other dignitaries visited various stalls of the ethnic communities of the state showcasing different traditions and culture.