<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"">GANGTOK, :</span></b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif""> Prominent Indian film director, screenwriter and producer Imtiaz Ali, who is one of the guests at the first edition of the Sikkim International Film Festival (SIFF), described Sikkim as the “crown of all Himalayan States in the country” during his visit to the State, expressing admiration for its cultural richness, scenic beauty, and immense potential for cinema.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"">Speaking at the red carpet event held at West Point Mall on Thursday evening, Ali expressed admiration for Sikkim’s cultural richness, scenic beauty, and immense potential for cinema.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"">The filmmaker said it had taken him a long time to finally make it to Sikkim. “It took me a long time to reach here. It is culturally fascinating, and the fashion people follow here is remarkable. Sikkim reflects a unique mix of communities and traditions, making it a vibrant and inspiring place,” said Ali.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"">Highlighting the scope of filmmaking, he said the film industry can greatly benefit from the diverse locations in Sikkim, as well as the abundance of local talent. He particularly pointed out the strong musical culture of the Northeast, stating that the talent is visible everywhere in the region.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"">Expressing happiness at being part of SIFF 2026, Imtiaz Ali congratulated the IPR department, along with the other concerned departments, under the leadership of Chief Minister PS Golay, for creating a platform where international and local filmmakers and artistes can interact and collaborate.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"">“I have come with a clear conscience and intent to explore opportunities for shooting and filming in Sikkim,” expressed Ali.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"">The filmmaker also lauded Sikkim’s pioneering efforts in water conservation, particularly the ‘Dhara Vikas’ initiative aimed at reviving natural springs. “The innovation undertaken by Sikkim in this sector has been remarkable and has inspired similar efforts across other Himalayan and Indian States.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"">On the occasion, former bureaucrat and water conservation expert Sarika Pradhan shared insights into the Dhara Vikas programme, which originated in Sikkim in 2008. She explained that the initiative was developed in response to water scarcity in rural areas, especially in South and West Sikkim, where nearly 80 percent of the population depends on spring water.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"">She said the project focuses on capturing surface runoff during the monsoon, allowing it to percolate into the ground and recharge springs, thereby addressing seasonal water shortages. The initiative was implemented through a combination of scientific methods, community participation, and a “learning by doing” approach.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"">According to Sarika Pradhan, the programme began showing results around 2011–12 and later received validation through an impact study conducted by the Indian Institute of Science. The success of the model has led to its replication in several states, including Himachal Pradesh, as well as neighbouring countries like Bhutan and Nepal.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"">She added that Sikkim has emerged as a pioneer in spring rejuvenation and played a key role in shaping national policy through NITI Aayog. The initiative, implemented under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, involved coordination among multiple government departments, including science and technology, and mines and geology, along with support from NGOs such as ACWADAM and Arghyam.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"">She further informed that the project received the SKOCH Award in 2018 and was presented before Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who personally invited the Department. It was also showcased at COP24, highlighting its global relevance as a sustainable, community-driven model.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"">Reiterating the importance of water conservation, Imtiaz Ali remarked that issues like water security often do not receive adequate mainstream attention. He emphasized that water is fundamental to life and creativity alike, stating that without water, neither life nor cinema can exist.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"">He concluded by appreciating the people of Sikkim for being innovators in such crucial areas and underscored the need for wider awareness about such initiatives.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"">A special masterclass with Imtiaz Ali was also held at PVR Inox, West Point, on the first day of SIFF.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p> </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif""> </span></p>
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