Smita and Chimi were among 19 women entrepreneurs from the eight Northeastern states - including Sikkim - to be selected for the Vasundhara Awards constituted by the Assam-based Sreemanta Sankar Mission (SSM) on Tuesday. Smita, who is based in Namchi in South Sikkim, is engaged in making perfumed candleswith the help of a group of women. According to Sreemanta Sankar Mission, the Vasundhara Awards was started with a view to create a regional platform for women entrepreneurs. Chimi Ongmu Bhutia"When I came to know about the award this morning, I was elated. Through my small effort, I hope to improve the living standards of the artisans engaged in Sikkemese handicrafts," Chimi said.

Source: The Telegraph April 18, 2018 20:15 UTC