Gangtok, Oct 28: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang attended the Career Counselling cum Job Fair 2025 held at Manan Kendra on Wednesday. The event aimed to guide students and young professionals towards informed career choices while promoting skill development and self-reliance among the youth of Sikkim.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister highlighted the growing importance of career counselling as a key tool for aligning individual abilities and interests with available opportunities. He said that while career guidance was relatively unknown in earlier times, it has now become an essential part of youth development and career planning.

Tamang stated that career counselling helps young people identify their strengths, interests, and suitable career paths, while counsellors play an important role in helping students make informed decisions, overcome confusion, and gain confidence in their chosen professions.

He noted that in today’s changing world, career options extend beyond traditional fields like medicine, engineering, and teaching. Emerging sectors such as information technology, tourism, environmental conservation, arts, sports, agriculture, and entrepreneurship, he said, offer vast opportunities for innovation and growth.

The Chief Minister emphasized the need to shift the mindset that success depends solely on securing government jobs. While acknowledging the value of government service, he encouraged youth to develop their skills, embrace innovation, and aim to become job providers rather than job seekers.

He further urged students to choose their careers wisely by following their passion, seeking proper guidance, and balancing ambition with practical wisdom.

Tamang commended the fair for bringing together students, educators, and industry experts on one platform to explore career opportunities and skill development pathways. He expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for contributing to the initiative’s success.

Highlighting examples of students who turned vocational education into meaningful careers, the Chief Minister said their achievements reflect the transformative potential of skill-based learning.

He also referred to several government initiatives, including Niyukti Kendra, ASPIRE Sikkim, and Lakshya Centre of Excellence, as well as programmes in artificial intelligence, eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, wellness entrepreneurship, and digital literacy, designed to equip the youth with modern skills and global exposure.

Concluding his remarks, Tamang called upon all stakeholders to continue empowering the younger generation to dream big, act with purpose, and contribute to building a self-reliant and skilled Sikkim.