In the 133rd episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat today, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, describing the Northeast as the Ashtalakshmi of the nation, lauded its immense talent and natural beauty. He said the region’s achievements are often highlighted in Mann Ki Baat, and today he focused on one such success — the transformation of the bamboo sector.

“Friends, what was once seen as a burden is today giving new momentum to employment, business, and innovation. Our mothers and sisters are its biggest beneficiaries,” the Prime Minister said. He recalled that under a British-era law, bamboo was defined as a tree with very strict rules, making its transport extremely difficult and pushing people away from bamboo-related livelihoods. “In 2017, by amending the law, we removed bamboo from the category of trees. The results are there for everyone to see. Today, the bamboo sector is flourishing across the entire Northeast. People are continuously innovating and adding value to it,” he added.

Highlighting an example of this transformation, PM Modi spoke about the Lagastal Bamboo Enterprise Team near Gangtok in Sikkim. “I also learned about the Lagastal Bamboo Enterprise Team near Gangtok in Sikkim. It manufactures handicrafts, incense sticks, furniture and interior decor items from bamboo,” he said.

Lagstal Design Studio, often referred to as Lagastal or Lagastal Enterprise, is a renowned, women-led bamboo manufacturing enterprise based in Gangtok, Sikkim. Founded by entrepreneur, sustainable innovator, and fashion designer, Smt. Chimi Ongmu Bhutia, the studio specializes in sustainable, eco-friendly bamboo handicrafts, interior décor, light fixtures, and modern home accessories.

Expressing her gratitude after the mention, Smt. Bhutia said, “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our Prime Minister and Chief Minister of Sikkim for their continued support towards entrepreneurship, women empowerment and sustainable development.”

Crediting the Prime Minister’s vision for enabling grassroots change, she said, “Special thanks to our Prime Minister Modi for creating an India where ordinary people like us can dream big, believe in ourselves and work towards success. Your vision has inspired many individuals from small states like Sikkim to think beyond their limits and create opportunities for others.”

The Prime Minister also noted the major transformation underway in India’s dairy sector, where value addition has given traditional flavors a new global identity. Referring to Sikkim, he said, “‘Chhurpi’ is very popular in Sikkim. The simplicity and gentleness of the mountains can also be felt in its taste. The special feature of this cheese is that it is made from yak milk.”

The twin recognition of Sikkim’s bamboo innovation and its traditional Chhurpi cheese in Mann Ki Baat underscores the State’s growing role in India’s journey of sustainable development and cultural pride.

Today, the bamboo sector is flourishing throughout the Northeast. People are continuously innovating and adding value to it. #MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/KPsoy9hQ0e

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 26, 2026

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