Sikkim Entrepreneur Chimi Ongmu Bhutia Featured in PM Modi's Mann Ki Baat for Bamboo Design Work

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently highlighted the inspiring journey of entrepreneur Chimi Ongmu Bhutia during his Mann Ki Baat programme, drawing national attention to her work in sustainable design and bamboo-based enterprise.

Bhutia, originally from Gangtok, Sikkim, is the founder of Lagstal Design Studio, a venture focused on environmentally sustainable products, particularly in the bamboo and handicrafts space. Her mention on the programme quickly became a moment of pride for her and her team, with Bhutia describing it as something she never imagined would happen.

Speaking to ANI, Bhutia expressed surprise and gratitude after hearing her name being mentioned by the Prime Minister. She said, “…Prime Minister Modi mentioned my achievement in ‘Mann Ki Baat’. I had never imagined my startup would be recognised at that level. I feel honoured and grateful that he acknowledged entrepreneurs like us, giving us the confidence to dream bigger…”

She added that the recognition felt overwhelming and motivating. Speaking to IANS, she said, “I am still speechless. I had goosebumps. I am grateful to the Prime Minister for mentioning us in ‘Mann Ki Baat’. It is a huge opportunity not just for us but for many other entrepreneurs. It pushes us to do better.”

Chimi Ongmu Bhutia’s work through Lagstal Design Studio is rooted in sustainable development, with a strong focus on bamboo as a natural and renewable resource. She believes bamboo has huge untapped potential in the Northeast, particularly in Sikkim, where it is widely available but not fully utilised in structured industries.

Bhutia explained, “When we talk about bamboo, especially in the Northeast, there is so much of it. We need to change how we look at it and turn it into a proper source of income. For that, we need a clear plan, especially in terms of research and manpower.”

She also highlighted that funding and infrastructure remain key challenges for entrepreneurs working in the sector.

Bhutia credited government initiatives, particularly those linked to bamboo development, for helping her establish her business. She referred to policy support introduced under the National Bamboo Mission, restructured in 2017, which she said played an important role in her entrepreneurial journey.

She said, “I will always be grateful for the policies related to bamboo development. Whatever I have achieved today is because of that support. Not just me, many others have benefited.”

According to her, thousands of people in the Northeast have benefited from bamboo-related initiatives and schemes, helping create livelihood opportunities in rural and semi-urban areas.

Chimi Ongmu Bhutia began her career in the handicraft sector, gradually building her work around bamboo-based products and sustainable design. She said the journey was long and required patience, effort and consistency over many years.

“Reaching that level has not been easy. Funding is always a problem,” she said, adding that it took her nearly eight to ten years to reach her current position.

Bhutia stressed that entrepreneurship in this space is not about quick success, but long-term commitment. “There are plenty of opportunities, but success does not come overnight. It takes time and hard work,” she said.

Bhutia’s work was highlighted in the context of Prime Minister Modi’s broader push for ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India), particularly through local entrepreneurship and sustainable industries. She believes bamboo-based industries can play a strong role in this vision if properly supported and scaled.

Bhutia said, “Bamboo fits into Prime Minister Modi’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. Existing policies need to be used more effectively.”

She also expressed confidence that greater attention from policymakers could open up new opportunities for entrepreneurs in the sector.

“The Prime Minister has spoken about promoting this sector in ‘Mann Ki Baat’, so I feel confident, in fact, 101 per cent sure, that there will be bigger opportunities ahead,” she added.

Bhutia also shared a message for aspiring entrepreneurs, encouraging them to stay patient and consistent in their efforts. “My message to others is simple, work hard and be patient. Don’t expect success overnight. When your work starts speaking for itself, you won’t need to say much,” she said.

Her story continues to resonate as an example of how grassroots entrepreneurship, combined with policy support and persistence, can gradually build national-level recognition.