Youth Conclave for Tourism Development Wraps Up In Yangang
The International Youth Conclave for Tourism Development in Yangang concluded with vibrant cultural exchanges, youth-driven dialogues, and a focus on sustainable tourism.
Yangang, that sleepy little hamlet you’d usually bypass if your GPS hiccuped, found itself in the spotlight this past weekend as it played host to the International Youth Conclave for Tourism Development. And what a knees-up it was! By the time the final gong struck on Monday, the air was positively humming with ideas, cultural exchanges, and the aroma of piping hot sel roti.
Delegates had jetted in from 17 States, four Union Territories, and three foreign nations (one can only hope they packed jumpers). Also rubbing shoulders in this grand affair were students, SHGs, NGOs and other stakeholders — or, as the locals call them, “people with PowerPoint presentations.”
Bikash Basnet, the chief coordinator of the conclave, wasted no time in declaring the event a thumping success. He waxed lyrical about knowledge exchange, cultural harmony and that rather elusive beast — collective effort. And you know what? He wasn’t wrong. The place was buzzing with youthful energy and chai-fuelled ambition.
The delegates, clearly chuffed to bits, were all praise for the hospitality of the Sikkimese people. One foreign delegate reportedly said, “I came for the tourism insights, but I’m staying for the gundruk.”
Deputy Speaker and Yangang Tourism Development Committee’s chief patron, Raj Kumari Thapa, didn’t mince words either. She tipped her metaphorical hat to the grand occasion of Sikkim’s 50th year of statehood. And what a golden jubilee it’s shaping up to be. Between mental health awareness sessions (much needed, considering the number of group selfies taken), university education panels, and the spirited Sikkim Inspires segment, attendees had barely enough time to digest both the food and the information.
A special shoutout was given to the local heroes — stall owners, artisans, and spirited youth who turned the place into a veritable bazaar of creativity. If there were medals for enthusiasm, the handcrafted woollen yak puppets would’ve won gold.
What was once a humble dot on the map is now eyeing a future with a fully functional Sikkim University campus and the much-anticipated Skywalk at Bhaleydhunga (rumour has it you’ll need both strong legs and a strong stomach). So the message to the youth is clear: tourism entrepreneurship is the new jam. Forget corporate cubicles — here, your office could be a bamboo hut overlooking snow-capped peaks.
The event wrapped up with a colourful cultural gala that felt like a mini-world tour without the jet lag. From diverse State performances to traditional Sikkimese dance numbers, fusion beats to thukpa treats, it was a feast for both ears and bellies. Panel discussions, talk shows and even a few heated B2B meetings ensured that no one left without a notebook full of ideas and at least three new WhatsApp groups.
As the curtains fell and the delegates dispersed (some tearfully clinging to their last cup of tongba), it was clear Yangang had done more than just host an event. It had inspired, invigorated, and possibly overfed everyone.
Here’s hoping the next conclave is just as enlightening — and maybe a tad lighter on the chilli.
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