Sikkim drew national attention on Thursday as it presented its digital ambitions at the prestigious WAVES Global Forum 2025 held in Mumbai. The event, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focused on the evolving landscape of digital media and the future of technology-driven content creation. Sikkim’s delegation, led by key state representatives, used the platform to underline the state’s readiness to embrace innovation and digital transformation.
The forum witnessed participation from several states, industry leaders, and media pioneers. Amid this high-profile gathering, Sikkim made a strong impression with its showcase of digital projects aimed at empowering rural communities, creating local employment, and promoting indigenous narratives through modern media channels. The state government emphasized its commitment to blending technology with culture, ensuring that traditional heritage thrives in a rapidly digitizing world.
Sikkim’s digital roadmap includes investment in skill development, infrastructure for content creation, and partnerships with national and international media firms. Officials highlighted initiatives such as digital storytelling hubs, training centres for youth in video production and animation, and mobile media vans for remote outreach. These steps align with the broader goals of the Digital India mission, which seeks to bridge the digital divide across the country.
During the forum, the Sikkim delegation presented a visual montage of successful community-driven media projects. The presentation featured local voices narrating their own stories through digital platforms, thereby promoting authenticity and grassroots participation. Officials explained that this bottom-up approach enhances the inclusivity of digital media and inspires other small states to follow a similar path.
The Chief Digital Strategist for Sikkim, speaking at the panel, said that the state sees digital media not just as a tool for communication but as a catalyst for economic and social change. He described how the integration of media literacy programs into schools and colleges has already begun, ensuring that the next generation is digitally aware and skilled. He also spoke of collaboration with creative professionals from Mumbai and other metropolitan cities to provide mentorship to young talent from the Northeast.
The WAVES Global Forum served as a melting pot of ideas, where filmmakers, influencers, tech innovators, and policymakers exchanged insights on content trends, responsible digital practices, and the power of storytelling. Sikkim’s participation in such a platform demonstrated its seriousness in positioning itself as a creative and technological hub in the Eastern Himalayan region. The state’s rich cultural tapestry and scenic beauty offer enormous potential for content creators, which was not lost on the audience at the forum.
PM Modi, in his keynote address, acknowledged the role of smaller states like Sikkim in leading innovative change. He praised their agility, cultural depth, and community-driven approach, encouraging them to use platforms like WAVES to expand their reach and impact. He reiterated the central government’s commitment to supporting digital media expansion and facilitating access to technology across all regions of India.
Industry experts present at the event applauded Sikkim’s vision and expressed interest in collaborating on future projects. Several media companies and OTT platforms showed enthusiasm for producing content in the Northeast, citing the region’s untapped stories, vibrant landscapes, and rising talent pool. Discussions also touched on sustainable production practices and using digital media as a tool for tourism and environmental awareness, areas where Sikkim holds natural advantages.
As the event concluded, the Sikkim delegation expressed optimism about the outcomes of their participation. They reaffirmed their intention to follow up with concrete partnerships, training programs, and funding opportunities to further their digital agenda. With strong backing from both the Centre and private players, Sikkim appears poised to emerge as a digital leader among India’s smaller states.
State officials have also announced plans to introduce a dedicated digital startup fund for youth in Sikkim. This initiative will support young innovators in launching media and tech ventures, offering seed capital, mentorship, and access to state-supported incubators. Authorities are confident that such a move will not only generate employment but also reverse youth migration by creating attractive career avenues within the state.
In addition to its media ambitions, Sikkim is exploring how digital tools can enhance public service delivery. Officials at the forum mentioned upcoming e-governance solutions, including AI-based citizen helpdesks and blockchain-enabled land records, which aim to increase transparency and reduce bureaucratic delays. These digital governance experiments, if successful, could serve as blueprints for other hill states facing similar logistical challenges.
Sikkim is also working with educational institutions to embed digital arts and technology courses into school curriculums. Talks are underway with national universities and private ed-tech firms to co-develop modules on video editing, graphic design, ethical content creation, and cybersecurity. By integrating these subjects into mainstream education, the government hopes to future-proof its workforce and create a strong foundation for digital citizenship.
The WAVES Global Forum has clearly boosted Sikkim’s visibility on the national stage, and the ripple effects are already being felt. By aligning with the vision of a digitally empowered India, Sikkim is not only showcasing its creative potential but also building a resilient framework for sustainable digital growth.